Colin Wells went out with a bang on the expiry of his two years as Sussex county captain.

After seven successive defeats in the SE Counties League starting with Wells' inauguration in 2003, the team finally came good.

When Wells took over his team selections were controversial. Some county committee members disagreed with his introduction of young players.

Wells argued Sussex had to look to the future even if it meant a lean period while the kids gained experience.

In the last league game of the season his selections came up trumps with a 8.5-3.5 defeat of Dorset who had just thrashed powerful Surrey 10-2. The regional title went to Kent with Sussex propping up the table.

"At last a wonderful win," chuckled Wells. "I selected a mixed team of the best colts plus our old faithful and unbeaten Lawrie Tremlett and Danny O'Rourke to play over his own course at East Brighton.

"This was not the course or conditions for video swing methods in very strong winds. A knowledge of how to play the wind was required and this is what all players should be taught rather than hitting balls on a driving range and listening to swing positions which are ruled out by the weather."

Wells had his fill of controlling the ball in the wind in his days as a county player with The Dyke and then briefly as a pro.

These days he is a member at Littlehampton.

He raised a few eyebrows last year when he gave a full county debut to Michael Lindfield, then aged 16.

He said: "There are many good youngsters on the sidelines but they lack match experience."

He also warned against too many parents encouraging their teenage sons to turn pro too early, thinking they are going to be Ernie Els because they can hit a ball a long way before being able to add up at school.

At East Brighton every match was tight with Jack Budgen hardly missing a fairway all day.

"It is impossible to pin-point any one player," said Wells. "But praise must go to Stephen Stark after being four down at the eighth and fighting back to win."

Wells caddied for Stark over the last nine holes.

Shot of the day was produced by Tom Coulson. One down on the 18th tee he took a driver for his second off a downhill lie with the ball not lying too well.

"It must have been a force seven blowing straight in his face but the shot finished three feet from the pin and he made an eagle to his opponent's birdie to halve the match," said Wells.

No wonder they call Coulson 'Long Tom' at West Hove.

Wells said: "He is another player with a big future and it was pleasing to see Danny O'Rourke integrating and playing so well. He is a genuine golfer who knows the game throughout.

"Sadly this was my last match as captain.

"However, having watched many of our juniors I look forward to bringing out and helping potentials through their years of growing up."

Kerry Scott, the Sussex Seniors champion from Copthorne, will succeed Wells.