Jon Earl, Ifield's head professional, and assistant Stuart Murray sprang a surprise by winning the Sussex PGU Pairs Matchplay Championship at Piltdown.

Former winners David Mills (Seaford) and Charlie Giddins (Beauport Park) were beaten by Earl's birdie on the last hole in a match that started at the ninth. It was a first success in the event for the Ifield pair.

Earl struck an early blow with an opening birdie and the Ifield duo were three up with six to play after they turned all square.

Mills and Giddins fought back going into the final holes and when Earl missed a two-footer on the seventh, the way was open for a tight finish. A long birdie putt by Mills at the next squared the match, only for Earl's birdie on the last hole to give them victory and a £500 cheque for him and Murray.