Young Lee skips for Sussex at Beach House Park

Lee Pennock, 15, who has also played for Sussex’s under-25s in in-house competitions, was playing in his first-ever Sussex match against other counties but they suffered a one-shot defeat against Suffolk.

Having been 10-0 down after three ends, they pulled it back to 19-17 before eventually losing on the last shot.

The young bowler was also selected as skip for the side for the youth match that was held in conjunction with the National Men’s Bowling Championships.

Pennock, who took up bowls just over two years ago, said: “It went quite well, we lost by one shot on the last end, so it was a bit disappointing.

“I was quite nervous to start with and had butterflies and that, but once I got into it, it was all right.

“I was skipping for the first time and I only knew one other person in the team, so I was quite nervous, especially as I usually go first or second.”

Lee’s mother, Geraldine, said: “He was pretty scared as he was chosen as skip for the first time and was so nervous.

“My husband and I are both very proud. We were there all day on Sunday and it was a really good day.”