ESN favourites to win scratch trophy

Such is ESN's strength in depth that they did not need Ben Newsome, the Sussex Open champion, in their 7.5-3.5 win at what had previously been an impregnable fortress.

They now face Ifield in the next round.

Both the Ifield and Haywards Heath victories were by the narrowest of margins on countback.

In Ifield's case against Crowborough Beacon the margin was two holes.

The contest at Haywards Heath was decided by just one hole, setting them up for a visit to West Hove, where Mid Sussex exited from the Sussex Inter-Club Matchplay championship by 8.5-3.5.

Pyecombe took on Littlehampton at home on Saturday.

It was a close call throughout the match, with the morning foursomes ending up two each. The match went down to the wire, with the last two games both going to the last two holes, with Pyecombe emerging as winners 7.5-4.5.

Rustington, fresh from removing The Nevill, went close to causing another upset, only for West Sussex to go through 6.5-5.5 when everything depended on the last match.

The Pulborough club now faces Pyecombe, who again have the advantage of a home draw.

Willingdon, the trophy holders, went out at Lewes 8.5-3.5, while Royal Eastbourne's 7-5 victory over Seaford Head led to a third successive home draw. Their confrontation in the quarter-finals with Lewes promises to be a close affair. The quarter-finals '“ to be played on May 10 '“ will see the following teams pitted against each other:

Royal Eastbourne v Lewes

ESN v Ifield

Pyecombe v West Sussex

West Hove v Haywards Heath