The star of the show was South African left-arm pace bowler Chris Morris who did the early damage to return impressive figures of 5-8 off nine overs.

Support came from Tim van Noort (3-22) and John Morgan (2-6) as Brighton were dismissed for a miserable 48 in 26.4 overs.

Hastings reached their target for the loss of only one wicket with Tim Eldridge top scoring on 20 not out.

Hastings were one of four teams to collect maximum 30 points on the opening day of the Premier Division season, the others being Chichester, Cuckfield and Eastbourne.

In Division Two, Bexhill shared the spoils with Steyning at The Polegrove.

The home side amassed 207 all out with Jonathan Haffenden hitting 56 and the visitors finished on 185-8, the pick of the bowlers being Ian Ellis (3-37).

Sidley suffered an agonising one wicket defeat at home to Lewes Priory. The hosts were skittled out for 129 and in reply, Lewes were in real trouble at 66-8 before Richard Seager (35 not out) steered them to 133-9. Dan Auer claimed 6-51.