A SKIPTON teenager has played in his first ever county crown green bowling match.

Harry Spriggs, 15, was picked to play for the junior Lancashire and Fylde County Bowling Club.

And despite losing 21-8 the match at Foulridge Bowling Club, his mum Natalie Johnson said he really enjoyed the experience and is looking forward to more games.

"Harry absolutely loves it," said his mum. "He started playing a little bit last year, just getting a feel for the game.

"He actually got into through my Uncle Robert (Ellis)," said Harry's mum, Natalie Johnson. "It's a family tradition. My dad and granddad play, as do my uncle and his son."

Harry, who bowls for Craven Bowling Club in Skipton, was included in the county team along with his younger clubmate, Jonathan Brown, who has been in the team for longer than Harry

"After Harry was picked to play for the county, he felt a mixture of excitement and nerves," said Natalie. "He doesn't like to let me go watch him because he gets nervous."

However, his mum did go to watch when he played the county game at Foulridge Bowling Club.

"Although he lost he came away smiling because it was quite a high standard," said Natalie. "He played very well, and this experience will do well to help his concentration during matches."

She said that Harry is looking forward to the next county match, which is set to take place down in Coventry.