The Sussex Academy has produced three England juniors.

Jeremy Green, Richard Young and Andrew Hodd have all received international recognition.

Green captained England under-18s in two one-day matches against Somerset at Millfield.

He scored 70 as England won the first game and 25 as his country lost the second match.

Green has been named in the England Development Of Excellence squad to take on South Africa over three days in Berkshire next week.

He said: "I loved being captain. I used to skipper Sussex at under-11s and under-12s but I haven't done much since. I thrive on the responsibility.

"Somerset had a very strong side and we did well against them."

Young, a wicketkeeper who plays for East Grinstead and Brighton College, competes in the European under-17s Championships in Holland this week.

Hodd, from Bexhill, has earned an under-19s' call-up for three Tests matches against South Africa next month.

He also hopes to be in the England squad for the one-day series against the tourists at Arundel (August 26) and the County Ground, Hove (August 28 and 29).

Fellow Academy student Rosalie Birch, 19, has been called into the England women's squad for next month's internationals against South Africa.

Academy director Keith Greenfield is in charge of the set-up which identifies players of potential. They are given special coaching and fast-tracked through the age groups.

He said: "We are proud of all of them. It exposes them to a higher standard and it's a question of whether they sink or swim. I'm confident we've got some good swimmers among them.

"We've pushed players on quickly.

"We have had some disappointing team performances in lower age groups because we've taken players out and played them in higher age groups.

"We would like to create a winning environment but must balance it out by helping to produce players. That's what the system is about. Whether they win matches is almost irrelevant.

"Youngsters are coming through. Neil Turk and Chris Nash have helped Sussex Second X1 get to the national semi-finals."

Greenfield says the experiment of playing a Sussex Under-23 Development X1, that involves their academy players, in the Sussex League this season is a success. He said: "It has given the players good test. It has helped their development."

Sussex Development are mid-table following a seven-wicket victory over Stirlands.

MARK Thomsett (Eastbourne) scored centuries for Sussex under-16s in their victories over Hampshire and Middlesex at Stirlands. Marc Gardner (St James) hit an unbeaten 80 as Sussex under-17s defeated Devon at Horsham.

ROFFEY won the Horsham Lions Under-14s Festival at Christ's Hospital, Horsham.

They pipped Southwater by three runs in the final.

Wisborough Green defeated Horsham Trinity by 30 runs in the plate final.Broadbridge Heath, Barns Green and Pulborough also took part.