Young star Stuart attacks bowls club

The 16-year-old (pictured left) has been left out of the club's sides for the prestigious National Top Club and National Double Fours teams.

In view of the fact that he has won the Sussex under-25 Championship indoors and out, played in the National Indoor under-25 Championship finals, had two Middleton Cup trials and reached the National Fours Finals, the Bexhill High School pupil believes himself to have sufficient ability to make the 11-strong team.

On top of this he claims that the club failed to pass on his County affiliation fees to the Sussex County Bowls Union which means that he will be unable to take part in county events, and his chances of national recognition are likely to be restricted as a consequence.

"They've ruined it for the whole year because that's the only way of getting to the national competitions," Stuart lamented. "I've spoken to the English Bowls Youth Development Scheme and they said 'complain loudly about it' because they are disgusted about it. I would like a written apology from the club but I will probably still end up moving to White Rock (Hastings).

"I really don't know what I've done wrong. The reason they gave (for his non-selection) was because they hadn't seen me - they just thought I wasn't bowling. I go to school still, so there's no way I can go to Club Days because they're on Monday and Thursday afternoons."

Stuart admitted that a policy of needing to appear in order to play was "possibly right" but he said he wasn't aware if that was the club's philosophy.

He did earn a chance to play in last year's National Top Club competition but a 21-18 defeat in only his second match of the outdoor season was the extent of his involvement.

He continued: "White Rock (Hastings) are getting more and more youngsters. They want to bring youth into the team but clubs around Bexhill with older members don't expect to get through so there's no competitive edge.

"I've been asked to go there (White Rock) for two years and I've declined. I was going to give them (Bexhill) one more chance but they've ruined it. I'm going to play the rest of the season and then that's going to be it."

Bexhill Bowls Club refused to comment to the Observer on Stuart's claims.