Sussex fast bowler James Kirtley inspired Eastbourne to victory in the Sussex Festival Junior Under-12s final.

Eastbourne defeated Chichester Priory at Hurstpierpoint College, 24 hours after Kirtley took five wickets for the first team in a Shepherd Neame Premier League game against Steyning.

Kirtley, who comes from Eastbourne, is assigned to the club and occasionally plays if Sussex are without a game.

Manager Peter Bibby said: "The kids knew what James had done the day before against Steyning and it gave them extra motivation.

"He is an inspiration to our kids who feel they can follow in his footsteps. He played as an age group player for our club just like them.

"James is great with the youngsters and captained a youth team we had in a winter league which was allowed one over age player."

Angus Stewart and Miles Cooper emerged as the heroes when Eastbourne seemed destined for defeat in the final.

Chichester were in the driving seat having scored 164-4 in their 30 overs. James Cheshire (59) and Finn Hoolahan (49 not out) punished the Eastbourne attack as Tom Constable claimed 1-15.

Eastbourne struggled in their reply and needed needed 83 from the final 11 overs.

Cooper hit a quickfire 36, man-of-the-match Stewart 58 not out and Cameron Ballard cracked 41 as Eastbourne finished on 166-2.

Bibby said: "I think Chichester thought they might win. We lost opener James Howie with an elbow injury early on and things didn't look good, especially as our run-rate was too slow. But that all changed when Miles came out.

"Angus did superbly and deservedly took his man-of-the-match award, but it was Miles who was our most influential player throughout the tournament. He scored 41 the day before the final in the last group game against Glynde and Beddingham. It was a match we had to win to go through and he also hit 63 against Brighton and Hove. He's a powerful lad."

Eastbourne lost last year's under-12s final against Horsham.

Chichester defeated Preston Nomads (Fulking) and Horsham on their way to the final.

Eastbourne: Angus Stewart, James Howie, Cameron Ballard, Miles Cooper, Tom Clarke, Patrick Watson, Luke Weller, Ben Hart, Tom Constable, Simon Horton, Gareth Owen.