Newcomers to Sussex cricket gave their seal of approval to the ground-breaking Twenty20 Cup last night.

A 15-minute queue snaked around the block outside the County Ground as 3,500 people went to watch the Sharks take on the Middlesex Crusaders.

Families, dads with lads and a large percentage of women all enjoyed the action under the lights at Hove, which for many was their first taste of a live cricket match.

This though was cricket with a difference. There was music after every boundary and wicket, fire eaters to welcome the players and a PA announcer straight from the Alan Partridge school of broadcasting.

Traditionalists may complain all the razzmatazz is dumbing down the beautiful game but for those who don't know their googly from their dolly bird, it was the perfect introduction.

Carl Dene, 30, from Hove said: "This was the first cricket match I have been to and I never watch any on the telly either. I came because I heard it would be more exciting and faster than normal cricket and I really enjoyed it.

"I was able to come after work and relax a bit, which you can't do in games during the week, so I think it is a good idea and I will probably come to another one."

Kate Grant, 26, from Hangleton said: "I don't know the rules that well so it is a good way to learn. I have been to one other game ages ago but the problem with normal cricket is it takes all day which can get a bit boring.

"This is much better and I wouldn't mind watching another one of these games."

The entertainment was not just on the pitch. There was a bouncy castle, face painting, drum workshops and cricket lessons around the pitch for the younger generations and enough bars and food outlets to keep the adults happy.

There was also half-price admission to anyone who turned up in an Albion or Sharks shirts, and they could be seen dotted round the crowd.

Gary Fuller, 14, from Brighton, was sporting an Albion shirt. He said: "I played in the cricket nets for most of the match because I like playing more than watching. I go to watch Albion quite a lot, but I haven't been to many Sussex matches.

"If they let you play while you watch then I will want to come more often."

Many purists have also been drawn to the new short-form of the game.

Broderick Sharman, 36, from Polegate has been going to the County Ground for years but this was one of the few times he had brought his daughter Hollie (2) and step daughters Haley Marshall (11) and Laura Batty (14).

He said: "I consider myself a purist and I prefer Test cricket, but I think this is great for the future of the game."