Marc Gardner has followed a line of Sussex wicketkeepers into the England under-15s squad.

The 15-year-old, from Haywards Heath, has been named for internationals against Denmark and Ireland.

Gardner is delighted to follow county players Nick Wilton, Matt Prior and Andrew Hodd into the England set-up.

He said: "It's very exciting. I'm pleased to be continuing the line which is down to Peter Moores at the County Ground.

"He's been a big help to me. He was a wicketkeeper and coached Nick, Matt and Andrew as well as myself. Nick also coached me in the winter.

"I had been in the winter squad that had 25 boys and was trying to play things down about whether I'd make the final 14.

"I was prepared for not getting in, saying to myself I'll work hard to get a professional contract with Sussex instead. When I got in it was the icing on the cake.

"But even when I was first told I couldn't take it in.

"It wasn't until confirmation came through with a full programme yesterday that I convinced myself I was in."

Two one-day internationals against the Danes on July 30 and 31 are followed by a three-dayer beginning on August 2. All the matches are at Eton College.

Gardner's father Graham said: "We are proud of what Marc has achieved. Peter Moores has been a big help and improved his technique.

"It is no coincidence there are other good young wicketkeepers coming through at Sussex like Richard Young and Joe and Oliver Gatting.

"I think Peter is second only to Alan Knott as a wicketkeeping coach. Marc's club, St James' Montefiore, have been a big help too."

The Brighton College pupil, who used to attend Oathall in Haywards Heath, has also been selected for the South of England under-15s squad.

Gardner has been in form with the bat, already scoring 700 runs this season.

He hit 110 for Old Brightonians against Sussex Martlets and 71 to help Sussex under-15s overcome Surrey by 16 runs.

Ross Sudder struck 49 and then Ben Walker helped dismiss Surrey for 160.

Sussex under-15s beat Middlesex by four wickets with Matthew Piper firing 46 and Jack Hemingway 35 after Walker had taken 4-35 to bowl out Middlesex for 135.

The under-15s lost by five wickets against Essex despite a 47 from Piper and 2-34 by William Ripley.

Sussex under-14s scored their third win of the season with a five-wicket victory over Wales. Mark Tomsett hit 36.

They drew with Middlesex as all-rounder Dominic Harris scored 38 and claimed 3-46. Richard Young top-scored with 62. Raj Waterman scored an unbeaten 134, while William Murrills chipped in with 54, in a draw against Berkshire.

Sussex under-tens beat Hampshire with Michael Chapman striking 72 in their 122-8 total. Hants were all out for 56 with Stuart Flint (3-7) and Robert Perry (2-2) doing most of the damage.

Michael Thornley and Joe Gatting put on 163 for the first wicket as Sussex under-13s defeated Dorset by five wickets at Port Regis School.

Thornley fired 85 runs and Gatting 66 as the county declared at 229-5 after 43 overs.

Thornley claimed 3-18 and Ed Murrills 2-34 to bowl out their hosts for 123.

It followed the under-13s' exit from the national competition.

They had a match against Berkshire abandoned because of rain and then suffered a six-wicket loss against Kent.

Manager Chris Pickett said: "Our performance against Dorset was as good as our display against Kent was bad.

"We fielded sharply, bowled tightly and obviously our opening pair gave us a great foundation.

"We were poor against Kent in all departments but at least the boys learned enough lessons to bounce back."

Sussex under-13s drew against Hertfordfshire. Thornley hit 60 and Stefan Piolet 48 in their total of 210.

Chris Heberlein took 2-28 but Hertfordshire held on at 209-7.

Sussex were due to face Essex at Witham today.

Ringmer defeated Hawkes Farm (Hailsham) in the Davies and Tate Sussex Primary Schools final at the County Ground. For full report and picture of winning team see Saturday's Argus.