It has been quite a week for fast bowler James Kirtley.

The 26-year-old led Sussex to three wins out of three in the Benson and Hedges Cup, rounding off a successful campaign by taking the second hat-trick of his county career in Monday's 60 run win over Hampshire.

It was hard to tell afterwards what had pleased Kirtley more, his successful introduction to captaincy or the hat-trick which saw him claim the wickets of brothers Alec and Zac Morris - both clean bowled - and Adrian Aymes who was leg before.

What is obvious is that Kirtley is relishing his spell in charge, although he is now aware just how much extra pressure there is on Chris Adams.

"Never ever let it be said that captaincy is an easy job because it isn't," he said.

"In the last few days I've realised just how hard it is. The easiest part is making decisions on the pitch, the bowling changes and sorting out the field. Off the pitch you literally live every ball when we are batting. It's a real rollercoaster at times."

Adams is set to return to the side next Sunday when Sussex play their second Norwich Union League game against Essex at Chelmsford.

Tony Cottey, another of the senior pros at Hove, has also been sidelined by injury for the past ten days.

But there is still enough nous in the team to offer Kirtley advice when he needs it.

His unofficial second in command is opening bat Richard Montgomerie, who captained Cambridge University earlier in his career, while Mark Davis, who led Northerns for four seasons in South Africa, is another experienced campaigner always available with a word or two of encouragement or advice.

"I've been told I have good cricket judgement and to back myself, but there are some very astute players in our team and they have been helping me," added Kirtley.

Kirtley's elevation to the vice-captaincy during the winter was a bit of a surprise, but Adams' faith in him already looks justified.

Chief executive Dave Gilbert said: "I must admit I was not expecting James to be elevated to the vice-captaincy, but Chris felt he was the man he wanted and his decision is getting better and better. He has really risen to the challenge and the other players have rallied round him which has obviously helped."

Kirtley's hat-trick earned him a small footnote in the record books as it was the first by a Sussex bowler in the B&H and only the fourth in one-day cricket.

Tony Buss, Garth Le Roux and Adams were the others, Adams taking his in the National League against Middlesex a couple of seasons ago.

Sussex seconds resume their Championship campaign next week when Hampshire visit Hove on Tuesday for a four-day game, starting at 11am.

The Sussex Board XI take on Shrop-shire on Tuesday at Hastings (11am) in the second round of the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy.

The winners will have a home tie against holders Glouce-tershire in the third round on June 24. The county will be away to Cornwall or Cheshire.