DIRECTOR of cricket Steve Rhodes praised Worcestershire’s “fighting spirit” despite crashing to their first defeat of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two season at Sussex.

The New Road side were thumped by an innings and seven runs as they were bowled out for 260 on a lively Hove pitch.

But having given themselves a mountain to climb after the hosts declared on 589-7 Rhodes was pleased by how hard his team fought.

Daryl Mitchell scored 121 in a 215-run partnership with Brett D’Oliveira (80) before the visitors were dismissed for 312.

Forced to follow on Worcestershire started the final day on 124-4 and despite some resilience from Ross Whitley (53) adding to Mitchell’s second-innings half-century on Sunday Sussex claimed an emphatic victory.

“It was a great effort on the last day by us,” said Rhodes whose side will look to bounce back when they host Glamorgan in the championship on Friday.

“We left the lads with a lot to do after our decision at the toss to bowl first.

“Sussex got a big score and the wicket became more difficult to bat on in the last two days, especially against a fiery international-class attack.

“So some of the fighting spirit we showed, the openers in the first innings and guys like Ross in the second, was great to see. We really fought hard.

“There were some balls that were quite dangerous which you can get on the last day so we had to take a few bruises but I’m not blaming anyone for that. It is part and parcel of the game.”

Sussex skipper Chris Nash hailed the battling performances of Harry Finch (82) and Luke Wells (155) in setting up the win.

“It was an excellent win for us,” Nash said.

“The bowlers did a fantastic job for us on the last two days but I’d go back to the first morning when it was quite tough to bat.

"Harry and Luke did a fantastic job in difficult conditions to set the game up for us.

“Worcestershire are a good side but I think when we get it together we are a match for anyone in this division.

“We know if we can get runs on the board we have a bowling attack who are going to make life hard for any side.

“We just need to find that consistency now.”