Sussex have named a 19-strong squad made up almost exclusively of Rich City County League players for their opening South West Championship match against Hampshire.

Former Albion defender John Crumplin and Matt Smart, with Dr Martens clubs St Leonards and Eastbourne Borough respectively, are the only two 'outsiders' for the match at Culver Road, Lancing, on October 16.

Manager John Suter insisted he excluded uncontracted players at Dr Martens and Ryman clubs in Sussex to avoid a club versus county row.

He said: "Our Championship fixture clashes with Dr Martens and Ryman matches. The County FA can liaise with the County League over fixtures but haven't got such a link with the Ryman or Sr Martens.

"Also, I've spoken to managers of Sussex clubs in those league like Garry Wilson, Billy Smith and John Maggs, and they would like their players for their matches, which I understand. I don't want to create any bad feeling. We can't select contracted players anyway.

"Some players might wonder why they are not in the squad. I hope this clarifies it.

"A lot of players view it as the nearest they get to representing their country and hopefully we can do well this season."

Sussex squad v Hampshire: Jason Dumbrill (Horsham YMCA), David Treadwell (Wick), Matthew Duffield (Horsham YMCA), Julian Curnow (Pagham), Wayne Farrier (Sidley United), Brad Poole (Sidley United), John Crumplin (St Leonards), Des Guile (Burgess Hill), Kevin Townsend (Ringmer), Lee Isaacs (Burgess Hill), Gary Young (Wick), Gareth Green (Wick), Matthew Smart (Eastbourne Borough), Adrian Downey (Burgess Hill), Steve Banks (Three Bridges), Sean Randell (Ringmer), Ashley Carr (Burgess Hill), Ollie Rowland (Whitehawk).

WORTHING United have won the race to sign Chris Hibberd, the Wick defender who was also a target for Shoreham and East Preston.

He was due to make his debut in the Division Two game at East Grinstead last night along with last year's player of the year Steve Pickles who has rejoined the club.

Manager Geoff Raynsford said: "Other clubs were interested in Chris but he likes our ambition and he is a quality addition to our squad."