The postponement of tomorrow's Davies and Tate Trophy final at Goodwood until October 7 is because of the fuel crisis.

Earlier this week as petrol stations began to run dry fears were being expressed by the finalists East Brighton and Worthing that getting to Goodwood was going to be a major problem.

An even greater hurdle was posed for the Plate finalists, Seaford and Highwoods from Bexhill, being able to complete the two-way journey.

The showpiece of the county golf season was further imperilled by an absence of supporters from all four clubs.

Dennis Pulford, the Sussex CGU secretary said: "Postponement was the only possible decision in the circumstances.

"It may be that the new arrangement will affect holiday plans already made by players but there was no other date open.

"I am closing the county office for three days out of five next week to minimise journeys to work made by staff. Conserving petrol is a priority and, so far as the Davies & Tate is concerned, I'm sure everybody realises that."

There will be some relief that an early start won't be necessary next month. East Brighton team manager Gary Brayshaw tried without success to book overnight hotel accommodation to take the edge off an 8.30 tee off time.

But already local hotels were full with guests attending the motor racing meeting at Goodwood.

Ironically, this has so far not been affected by the fuel shortage as there are special high octane supplies at the track. Provision of emergency services, however, is another matter.

Postponement of the Sussex Inter-Club Matchplay knockout is a great disappointment but cancellation would have been a far greater blow.

The ninth year of the event, which began six months ago with 52 clubs vying for the title, sees the end of Brayshaw's term as team chief.

"We are delighted to be in the final again, but it is a daunting prospect. We can only judge ourselves on Worthing; they are the yardstick.

"After running the team for six years it is time for a change. We have got to four quarter-finals and two finals which isn't bad."

Eric Reekie, in his first year as Worthing team manager on taking over from Graham Roberts, was not announcing his side until the last minute.

"It's a crying shame as we were really up for it having won the Cissbury Salver last weekend. As for support, we were expecting around 150 members to travel to Goodwood and clearly there was a problem for them."

Worthing's A team defeated holders Willingdon 2-1 in the final while the B side lost to Ham Manor in the Plate by the same margin Three of the club's biggest guns, Joe Doherty, Scott Nightingale and Nigel Harrington were competing in the English Champion Club tournament at Berkhamsted but failed to figure among the leaders.

Worthing's successful A side was: Arwel Roberts, Scott Williams, Mike Smith, Andrew Moseley, Roland Ainsworth and Peter Drew.

The B side comprised: Roy Thompson, Phil Cook, Ross Gilbert, Andrew Tolman, Nick Beatie and Cedric Atkinson.