Sussex junior golf has never been in better shape. The county made an impressive start to the defence of their South East League title.

They beat Kent under-21s 9-3 at Kings Hill, West Malling.

Four of the team were under age juniors and today they were representing Sussex in England Boys' Championship qualifier at Burhill with high expectations.

The quartet, all unbeaten in the Colts' match, were: Craig McCullum (Haywards Heath), Paul Jones (Seaford), Henry Hilton (Lewes) and Ben Skelton (Highwoods).

Highlight at Kings Hill was Henry Hilton and Skelton licking England internationals Eren Behcet and Richard Costello 6 and 5 in the foursomes.

Shot of the day was McCullum's second at the 518-yard ninth to within six inches for a conceded eagle. The foursomes were level at 2-2 but, through the ninth in the singles, Sussex displayed their mastery.

Up in seven of the eight matches, they were only down when Bognor's Rob Bright faced a three-hole deficit. But, typical of Sussex's resilience, Bright fought back to earn a half.

Tony Hilton led from the front with a 3 and 1 win over Behcet and Alastair Malins (Paxhill Park) made six birdies in a row from the fifth on the way to a 4 and 3 win as anchorman. The singles score of six wins and two halves was a measure of Sussex's superiority.

Neil Conley (Mannings Heath) made the trip from Loughborough University to play and missed an opportunity of a practice round. Nevertheless he contributed to the team's success with a half against Alan Price.

Last year Sussex won the SE League Colts' title in a play-off against BB and O, while the juniors succeeded in their group, beating old foes Hampshire. Then the junior coaching scheme embraced 44 clubs and the long term effects are now being assessed.

David Harmer, who resigned the Sussex presidency to take over the secretaryship, said: "All the planning and coaching at junior level through recent years is now bearing fruit."

Earlier in the week, Sussex Boys trimmed their Kent counterparts 7-5 at Wrotham Heath with four new faces.

Michael Mudie (The Dyke) earned his place after his fine performance in the under-16s against Essex. There were also first appearances at this level for Russell Cronin (West Hove), Robert Bury (ESN) and Chris Purton (Mannings Heath).

The Sussex pairings were spot-on as they won all the foursomes. Cronin, after leading Eren Behcet by three holes, was overtaken and lost on the 17th to the England international.

You can contact John Vinicombe with any golfing information by e-mailing him at vinsport.features@btinternet.com