ESSEX County Bowls Club has had a summer to remember following the success of two of their younger members.

Lloyd Sabatini, 18, and Ed Morris, 25, progressed to the National Championships at Worthing where they won the 2013 County Pairs Championship.

And Morris puts their success down to the good friendship he has with his partner, who is going to Reading university this month to study Accountancy and Finance.

“I’ve known Lloyd ever since he joined when he was 12 years old and in the six years he has been with the club, we’ve become really good friends,” said former Southend High School pupil Morris.

In addition to their national achievement, Morris has become the 2013 County Over-25 Singles Champion and Sabatini, from Hockley, claimed the Under-25 Singles title. And they teamed up to win the Essex County pairs title last month.

The pair have been selected to play for England in the British Isles Championships next year and have also been granted trials for a place in the national team.

Morris has enjoyed further success by being selected for UK trials in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, and the 25 year-old is “over the moon” about this year’s triumphs even if they have come from out of the blue.

“I was a good player in terms of playing locally but it was unexpected to win national competitions,” said the 2013 National Singles Championship quarter finalist.

“I’m looking forward to the trials although it’s quite daunting coming up against a really good seal of players.”

Despite being stereotypically recognised as a sport for older people, Morris admits that bowls is declining in popularity and hopes that younger people like himself will follow suit and boost the sport.

“There is a common belief it’s for old people, but it’s not,” he added.

“I started as a cadet after the club came into my school in year seven offering free sessions over the summer holidays, and with so much free time me and my mate went along and it was great.

“Over the past few years, we have seen a decline in the number of cadets from about 25 to about 10, but our club is the biggest in the county and we are making every effort to increase the popularity,” said Morris.

Essex County Bowling Club is based in Imperial Avenue, Westcliff and is a mixed club providing all year round bowling for members, a bar and restaurant and free car parking.

The next evening beginners course, which is filling fast, will take place on September 25, 26 and 27. Call the club secretary on 01702 338261 for further details.