Sussex's promotion hopes were dealt a blow at Hove today when they suffered their first ever defeat against Durham.

The visitors needed less than an hour this morning to take the last three Sussex wickets and complete a three-wicket win, their first in ten attempts since they were admitted to the first-class game.

There wasn't even the consolation of a maiden Championship hundred for Sussex all-rounder Robin Martin-Jenkins.

He added ten more to his overnight 84 to reach his career-best, but on 94 he was beaten by Danny Law's extra pace and bounce and edged to the wicketkeeper.

Law struck again in his next over when he had Jason Lewry caught slashing to first slip and Steve Harmison wrapped up Durham's third win of the season when he bowled James Kirtley for 12 with the second delivery with the new ball.

Martin-Jenkins believes Sussex will still go up providing they avoid defeat in their remaining games against Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.

He said: "There are too many permutations to worry about how many points we need, but it's frustrating because a win here would have made it a lot easier for us.

"It's probably the first time this season our batting hasn't quite fired, it just means we are going to have to work that bit harder in the last two games."

© CricInfo