William Adkin has battled back from tragedy to shine with Sussex under-11s this season.

Adkin, who lines up against Kent at Tunbridge Wells in the final match on Sunday, lost his father Mark to cancer just over three months ago.

William, who plays for East Grinstead, said: "I found it hard to concentrate at the beginning of the season because of what happened with my dad. But I felt if I just kept concentrating hard I would find some form and that's what has happened and I've managed a couple of 50s."

Mum Jane said: "His brother James, who plays for North Sussex, gives him support and I've tried to attend every match.

"One of Mark's old clubs, Nutfield, raised money when they heard what had happened to buy a couple of bats which William and James have used."

Manager Steve Peyman picked out William, along with Andrew Thornely (Horsham), as the star performers for the under-11s.

He said: "It was very hard for William at the beginning of the season.

"The poor lad wasn't able to concentrate, so I took the captaincy away just so he could just focus on his batting and he came through."

He added: We started slowly and are finishing well."