Ritchie Venner survived a fifth-game crisis to lift the Seaman Cup at Broadbridge Heath.

The Crawley ace, No.15 on the England ranking list, was given a fright by Worthing's Andy Walker.

Venner won the first and third games, but Walker hit back to take the second and fourth rubbers. Walker sighted victory when leading 17-13 in the crucial fifth game, but Venner, with a finishing burst of top-spin, scorched home 23-21.

Venner admitted: "Andy is one of the best players in Sussex. He deserved to win. I was lucky to survive."

Sally Weston, playing on her home tables, lifted the Nicholls Cup for the fourth time with a storming final victory 21-12, 21-9 over the former Sussex champion Teresa Bennett, from Polegate.

Earlier, the Sussex champion Rose Rainton (Bexhill), who was carrying an ankle injury, lost 18-21, 12-18. 21-11 to Weston.

On the last day of the British League season, Horsham were a man short at Selby and paid the penalty with an 8-6 defeat. Adrian Moore was unbeaten for Horsham and Ritchie Venner had two victories.

Horsham's third team triumphed 7-3 over Tunbridge Wells to win Division 3 and £400 prize money, which is cash urgently needed by the Horsham club.