Delray Rawlins believes Sussex Sharks will come back “better and stronger” for next year’s Vitality Blast Twenty20 competition.

The Sharks lost by five wickets against Worcestershire Rapids in the final of this year’s competition at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Saturday.

Sussex appeared to have the upper hand with Worcestershire requiring 31 runs for victory from the final three overs of the match. But Rawlins and his team-mates were unable to finish the job as the Rapids reached their target in a hurry.

“Unfortunately couldn’t get over the line,” Rawlins told The Royal Gazette.

“Worcestershire played some good cricket and were the better team on the day.

“The mood [in the dressing room] wasn’t too bad, the lads were all right. A bit down but not too down because everybody gave it their all.

“The lads put in some serious efforts over the campaign and we will be back better and stronger next year.”

Rawlins, the first Bermudian to play in the major cricket final in England, played his part in a final in front of 25,000 spectators with 21 from 16 balls.

“It [atmosphere] was buzzing, best I’ve ever experienced and a day I won’t forget for a long time,” he said. “It was special, still couldn’t really believe it when I was out there. But once I got going I was fine.”

The Sharks beat Somerset in the semi-final by 35 runs, with Rawlins scoring 18 with a six and two fours.

Before the match the 21-year-old learnt of Mazhye Burchall’s death from a motorcycle crash hours earlier.

Burchall and Rawlins played football together at PHC Zebras as a juniors.

“I heard the news before the first game and was a bit shaken as we played football together at PHC for quite a few years,” Rawlins said.

“Condolences to his family and friends.”