Golf: West Sussex bid for glory

This is the 11th season under the sponsors' banner and the 32nd since the Sussex Inter-Club Scratch Matchplay Championship was first played.

It is only in the last decade, thanks to more than £100,000 worth of backing by the Uckfield-based window replacement company, that the competition has grown in stature.

In the first 20 years, the highest number of competing clubs was just 27. But interest has soared to such an extent that clubs treat the six months of cut and thrust with a zeal undreamed of in the Seventies.

Teams have their own sponsors, with players kitted out in matching outfits, and the tension in high-profile matches approaches that of the professional circuit.

Phil Davies, managing director of Davies and Tate, said: "It seems we have been running the tournament forever and that is a lovely feeling. We, as a company, are more than happy to spend money this way."

West Sussex, the defending champions, receive neighbouring West Chiltington at Pulborough and should go through to a second round visit to Royal Ashdown Forest.

West Sussex, 7.5-4.5 victors over Mid Sussex at Worthing last year, achieved their first knockout trophy in 29 years and are powerful enough to leave Jamie Donaldson, their best player, out of the side.

Jamie, aiming to play himself into the England squad, has a heavy schedule and manager Roy Froud said it would be unwise to rely on him.

Mid Sussex have lost players since the 2001 final and anticipate a tough assignment at The Nevill. Steve Graham, now secretary-manager at Littlehampton, is playing for his new club while Dave Jones has gone to ESN and Bruce Anderson has yet to renew his membership.

A new arrival at the Ditchling club is Gary Ogilvie, from Hill Barn, where the exodus is not just confined to category 1 players.

Manager Michael Foreman said: "We are looking forward to a decent day.

"But, to be honest, we aren't expecting to do much. Having said that, you never know."