WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes admits his side were totally out-played by Sussex in the innings and 109-run defeat.

The County were put to the sword by the defending champions, who wrapped up a massive victory - the hosts' third innings defeat in five LV County Championship Division One outings - before tea on the third day.

Rhodes' side picked up just two points for their efforts, which leaves them winless and rooted to the foot of the table, 16 points adrift of their nearest rivals Surrey.

The former New Road wicketkeeper said: "There are no excuses - Sussex totally out-played us. They came here and, like us, they hadn't won a toss, so that was absolutely crucial.

"They did the right thing in putting a big score on the board and bowling us out twice - simple as that.

"There were some good performances from Sussex and some not-so-good performances from Worcestershire, so we are bitterly disappointed as you can imagine.

"We showed a bit more fight on the last day, but it came too late. The two first innings were crucial for us with both ball and bat.

"People bat tired when they have done 130 overs in the field and that's when you see a few loose shots because the concentration isn't there.

"But I am a very upbeat, positive guy and that is history now. We move on and we have got two crucial games coming up. If we can beat Durham and Warwickshire, we'll be in a great position in the Friends Provident Trophy."

Following on 412 runs behind Sussex, Worcestershire got off to a dreadful start as they lost opener Phil Jaques lbw without scoring in the first over of the day.

Stephen Moore (22) and Vikram Solanki (17) both got themselves out in disappointingly similar fashion.

Robin Martin-Jenkins (3-17) dismissed both batsmen after wide half-volleys which, given the task in hand, should have been left well alone.

However, both batsmen chased the ball and succeeded in giving simple catches.

Ben Smith added just five and the home side found themselves in the mire at 50-4.

Steven Davies, who has struggled for runs this year, joined the in-form Graeme Hick and they put on 84.

Davies (40) offered a sharp chance to Chris Adams in the gully and he held on well.

The revival continued with a breezy 124-run stand between Hick and Gareth Batty (64).

Then, from 258-5, Hick (108) barely had time to reach his century - the 134th of his illustrious career - before the walking wickets that are Worcestershire's tail-enders subsided to 303 all out.

The County head to Durham on Friday in the Friends Provident Trophy.