Skipper Chris Adams was still relishing Sussex's first win over Surrey since 1994 today - but he insists the Championship pennant will still flutter over the Oval at season's end.

Sunday's four-wicket win leaves third-placed Sussex 23.75 points behind the leaders, who also have a game in hand, and while the county cannot be disregarded as potential champions, Adams and coach Peter Moores are more concerned that they get enough points from their last four matches to retain their place in Division One.

Adams said: "We may have beaten them but I still believe Surrey will win it at a canter. For us to have a chance we would have to win our last four and they would have to lose four games and I cannot honestly see that happening.

"They have the resources to cope with Test calls and injuries, although I must admit it was very satisfying to beat them on Sunday. I've waited 14 years as a player for that."

Sussex do not play in the next round of Championship games which start tomorrow but Sunday's win has helped them open up a 28-point gap over Hampshire and Lancashire who are sixth and seventh.

Moores said: "If we could win two of the last four games then I think we can finish third which would be a good effort in our first season in Division One."

Sussex's next match is the day-nighter against Lancashire next Tuesday while the seconds start a three-day championship match against Northamptonshire at Hastings today (11am).