Bowls ace awarded top county honour

The 38-year-old Sidley Martlets man was eligible for the award after he starred for the county on three occasions in this year's competition.

He took to the green against Kent, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, as well as Surrey in the south east regional round.

He was presented with his flash by county president Harry Payne after the narrow reverse against Berkshire at the Worthing Pavilion Bowls Club.

He booked his place in the set-up by catching the selectors' eye during Middleton Cup trials which were held in Crawley earlier in the year.

Nevard said: "It's quite an honour and it's my best achievement for Sussex. It's one thing getting picked to play for Sussex but to continue to get picked is another. I played in the Home Counties last year and always hoped to get a trial."

His delight at receiving the call-up was tempered slightly by the fact that Sussex were unsuccessful in their quest to qualify for the national final, having endured a series of narrow defeats.