Unfancied Crawley amateur Ian Yeatman led the Sussex Open going into the last day today with a three-under-par 68 at The Nevill.

Bruce Whalley, also from Tilgate Forest, but an assistant pro, trailed Yeatman by one stroke together with David Mills (Seaford), Jamie Harris (Nevill) and West Sussex amateur Jamie Donaldson.

The cut was made on 75 and the last 40, including 13 amateurs, did not feature Tim Spence, the defending champion.

With three holes remaining Spence, who won the Sussex Professional title a fortnight ago, was three under par. He had a disastrous finish and had to sign for a 77.

Ed Giddins, the former Sussex and England fast bowler, was among those who tore up his card. Brother Charlie, the Hastings pro, took 82.