For the first time in at least ten years, Hill Barn were able to make the most of a home draw when defeating Eastbourne Park 7,-4,.

The club that died of shame are back in business.

When Hill Barn was run by Worthing Borough Council they had to forfeit coming out of the hat first and play away.

But since the course has been taken over by Richard Haygarth, owner of Chichester, there is no call to switch venues.

Team manager David Roberts said: "It was nice after so many years to be hosts for a change. In the past we had no choice but to play away because we could not get enough tee times, plus the condition of the course was so poor.

"Some of our team left to join other clubs and now all that has changed with the amount of work having been done on the course. A sprinkler system has just been finished and the refurbished clubhouse is due to be opened this weekend. We can hold our heads up again."

Barry Roberts, who has won the club championship in four decades, has stayed loyal and won his singles by 2 and 1 over Dave Cruttenden after figuring in a halved foursomes partnered by Kevin Davey.

The Dyke triumphed 9-3 in a one-sided affair at Cottesmore while Piltdown made the most of home advantage to end Peacehaven's hopes 8,-2,.

Mid Sussex, losing finalists twice in the last eight years, were hurried out of the first round at Crowborough. Down 3-1 in the morning, the experienced Ditchling team failed to light any fires at the Beacon. Ex-Sussex champion Martin Galway had a halved match with Kevin Waylen and only Jamie Brough managed a win by one hole against Michael Espach.

If Crowborough can keep this form up they could be this year's dark horses.

Hollingbury Park were run close by Ifield who lunched 3-1 ahead only to go out 6,-5,. Paul Betteridge, Mark Nye, Jamie Pontin, Warren Newington and John Hope all came up with wins when Hollingbury needed them most.

A close call came at Hassocks where East Sussex National emerged 6,-5, victors. As Lewes, his first claim club, had a bye, Jack Budgen turned out for ESN and won both his matches.

Copthorne's victory at Goodwood Park was expected as the 8,-3, difference reflected their superiority.

Doug Arnold, the England seniors champion, joined with Nick Pinfold to win their foursomes 3 and 2 and then Doug repeated the score at Alistair Maxwell's expense.

Singing Hills failed to make much impression at Holtye where the home team were not greatly pressed to win 9-3 on a nine-holer that takes a lot of knowing.

Only Viv Street for the visitors collected a win in the singles although Roy Priestley and Ian Halstead defeated Holtye's Paul Smith and Chris Beeson in a tight foursomes.