Sarah and Adam Purnell helped England lift the Triple Crown for under-18s in Dublin after becoming the first set of twins to bowl for the country's juniors.

The debuting pair collected six medals between them, including three golds, and the overall title.

Sarah, the older twin by a minute, won her three and five-player events and claimed a bronze in the doubles.

Adam secured gold in the boys' doubles and silvers in the three and five-player competitions.

They also won trophies for helping England win the overall shield against Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Jersey.

Sarah said: "We feel a little bit special as the first twins to represent our country. We were wondering if we were the first in the world but two other sets of twins turned up from other countries in Dublin. It was quite amazing."

She says being twins gives them a sixth sense during competition.

"I don't know if you'd call it telepathy but we instinctively know what the other is going through.

"We can sense when the other is feeling pressure or finding it easy.

"We've bowled together since we were eight and that has heightened the understanding.

"Adam is the lively, jump-up-and-down type while I'm quiet but when it comes to bowling he is calm and composed.

"It must have been pretty difficult for him in Dublin because he was carrying two injuries."

Adam sustained a twisted ankle and sceptic toe during training in the Republic of Ireland capital.

He said: 'I went over on my ankle and also damaged my toe but I wanted to compete. It was very painful and the damage was on the right side, which I put my weight on when I bowl, but I managed to hold it together."

The twins, who attend Hailsham Community College, are the first members of Eastbourne Youth Bowling Club to become internationals.

They were supported by mum Sally and dad Dave.

Dave said: "We are proud of them both. They achieved everything they set out to do.

"Adam basically did it on one leg. It was an heroic performance. He played through the pain barrier.

"Even when they started at eight years old they were keen to be the best.

"They've had good coaches and a supportive school.

"But they achieved in Dublin because of hard work, an attitude they've shown since they first started.

"They've always wanted to reach international standard."

Sarah and Adam have represented Sussex for nine years and won more than 100 trophies and medals between them.

Sarah helped Sussex win the National Under-14s Championship and won the individual singles gold medal at the tournament.

She has bowled for Sussex in the championships at under-16s, under-18s and under-24s.

She was also a member of the senior Sussex Ladies squad at 16.

Adam, the 2002 English Open boys' champion, retained his British Association Classic singles title at Margate and claimed the Norwich Open.

He has bowled for Sussex in the County Championships at under-14s, under-16s, under-18s, and under-24s.