David Miller slipped into Sussex in 1998 as an unknown. Now the county salutes him as a national champion.

The Scotsman, born in Glasgow on October 20, 1967, took up bowls at the age of 15 and soon made it in the big time north of the border being a full Scottish indoor international for seven years and an outdoor one on three occasions.

The last appearance was in 1996 when he came south and lived in Kidderminster. He played indoors at the Bromsgrove club and represented Worcestershire.

He is married with a daughter, lives in Southwater and works in insurance.

When his job brought him to Sussex, David joined the Horsham club and became champion last season, a success which qualified him for the English champion of champions singles, which he won over two dramatic days at the green of event sponsors Warners Leisure on Hayling Island.

His first victim on his road to becoming a national champion was Worthing Pavilion's Dick Dudman.

That was after his scheduled first opponent, a Margate bowler, had given him a walk-over.

The victory over Dudman sent Miller to Mote Park (Maidstone) for the area stage where he had three wins, his victims including Kent and England star Martyn Seckjer and Sussex's Anthony Bull.

So to Hayling Island for the last 16 stage onwards where, in his first three games, he toppled three current England internationals.

First was Robert Newman of Whitenights, an England player for the last four years, by 21-17 after going 9-3 up but being caught 9-9 and then having a titantic struggle.

Ahead 19-17 and with Newman holding three, Miller with his third bowl drew a back toucher and a second counter with his fourth delivery, to win the match.

For the last eight years, Egham's Barry Jenkins has been an England star but from 8-8 in the quarter finals Miller beat him 21-8 with his performance including three full-houses and a brace of threes.

In the semi-finals, Miller led City of Ely player Greg Harlow, an England man since 1993, 9-3 but was caught 12-12. Later leading 20-14, Miller dropped a three but won the match 21-17.

The final was his easiest game. He raced 18-8 up on Adam Tidby of Dorchester and beat him 21-9.

"I reserved my best for last, putting my first bowl every end on the jack," said Miller.

He was rewarded with a cheque for £1,000, plus a £600 Warners holiday voucher and qualification for next season's World singles.

Miller's exile means he is no longer eligible to play for Scotland.

Instead, the England selectors must consider Miller after this win. The Horsham member would love to play but has reservations.

He told me: "Playing international bowls is a terrific commitment and I am undecided whether I can give it enough time. My family and work must come first."

See next week's Sports Week for a round up of the performances of bowlers from Sussex clubs in the national championships.