Chris Adams today backed his young Sussex stars to shine on cricket's most famous stage after they earned a trip to Lord's.

Sussex beat arch rivals Hampshire by five wickets with six balls to spare in their key C&G Trophy south conference tussle at Hove last night to clinch a first major final appearance for 13 years.

James Kirtley took five wickets but it was emerging batsman Carl Hopkinson who took man-of-the-match honours with a career best one-day score of 69 not out to guide Sussex from a precarious 120-4.

Hopkinson, the Brighton-born 24-year-old, was named man-of-the-match and skipper Adams said: "I can't give enough credit to the youngsters in the side.

"This squad have played so well for the last three years and I desperately wanted to get them to a Lord's final. It's going to be a great day out for us so bring on whoever."

Sussex staged another comeback to peg Hampshire back from 119-2 after 15 overs to dismiss them for a manageable 254.

Adams added: "After 15 overs of their innings we were dead and buried. We responded well but we have done that throughout the course of this competition."

Spirits ran high at times. Shane Warne and Shaun Udal both appeared irate after being bowled in a triple-wicket maiden by Kirtley and Dominic Thornely hurled his cap at barrackers in the crowd after dropping a catch late on.

Hampshire claim Thornely was spat at by a spectator and plan to make an official complaint.