New boy Ian Ward believes Sussex are good enough to end nearly 20 years of disappointment in one-day cricket.

The county have not won a limited overs competition since beating Lancashire in the final of the Natwest Trophy in 1986 while their last appearance in a Lord's final was 11 years ago when they suffered that never-to-be-forgotten last ball defeat against Warwickshire in the same competition.

Since then their best performance was in 1997 when they reached the Natwest Trophy semi-finals before again losing to Warwickshire.

It all starts again tomorrow when the county make the long trip to the Riverside to face Durham in the third round of the C&G Trophy (10.45am).

With home advantage, Durham will start as slight favourites despite the absence of injured overseas pair Herschelle Gibbs and Shoaib Akhtar, but Ward has already seen enough in his new club's performances this season to convince him Sussex have the talent to become a force in limited overs cricket.

He has scored half-centuries in both Sussex's National League matches so far.

And as the only Sussex player to have experience of winning a Lord's showpiece final, he would love to share those experiences with his new team-mates.

"I was fortunate to play two of my Test matches at Lord's when it was full, but after that there is nothing better than playing in big domestic finals there," he said.

"It's what you play the game for - to perform in front of big crowds in great atmospheres and there's none better than Lord's when it's full and there's a trophy at stake. It's a massive incentive even at this stage of the competition for all the guys."

Sussex's poor recent record in the National League means they are facing first-class rather than minor county opposition at this stage of the C&G Trophy for the second year running. Last season Chris Adams' unbeaten 80 inspired them to a narrow victory over Hampshire before they were well beaten at Lord's by Middlesex in the last 16.

"You look at our squad and you don't really see where we are lacking in any areas in one-day cricket," added Ward.

"We have some younger guys who perhaps lack a bit of experience but it's a little surprising that we have struggled in the recent past."

The 31-year-old, who helped former county Surrey win two Benson & Hedges Cups in the Nineties, believes Sussex can build on their impressive start to the one-day season where he shared a century stand with new opening partner Matt Prior.

"I'm a great believer that in one-day cricket momentum is key," he said. "If you get on a roll your momentum can get you through some tricky games. Conversely if two or three games don't go your way it can be tough mentally more than anything to stop that downward spiral."

Ward is relishing the chance to continue his promising partnership with Prior who belted 70 at Lord's ten days ago and reminded him of a former team-mate who has a reputation for explosive hitting in one-day cricket.

"I stood at the other end for a number of years watching Ali Brown flay opposition attacks. Matty has bags of talent as well and is entertaining to watch and he got a few nods of approval from the opposition players and the umpires when we played Middlesex.

"He's got a lot of flair. We've got some really special youngsters at Sussex and he's one of them. It's just a case of how he harnesses that talent because he has real ability."

Ward is happy to be established at the top of the innings after floating up and down the batting order during his time with Surrey. As well as opening he would sometimes come in at three or even further down when an experienced head was needed to finish a run chase.

"I don't necessarily prefer opening the innings, but if you do something regularly there's no doubt you understand the role better," he said. "In one-day cricket you have to be flexible but there also needs to be some consistency in the job you are being asked to perform.

"I just want to play to be honest. I've come here to score runs and perform in both forms of the game."

Sussex have never played Durham in the longer version of the one-day game and Ward is expecting a good contest.

"The last time I played there in the National League it snowed so hopefully the weather will be a bit better!

"It's a great place to play and the wickets there are good. It will be a good challenge for us."

The winners are likely to face Lancashire at Hove in the fourth round, giving Sussex the opportunity to avenge their recent Championship defeat.