GRANT GREYLING has been called up for his Middleton Cup debut when Hampshire open their campaign against Oxfordshire at Atherley.

The 25-year-old South African made an instant impact on team manager John Plomer during the county's second warm-up match against Dorset last weekend and has been named at number three in the rink of Julian Haines.

Greyling is a leading bowler for Western Provence in his home country but is eager to make a name for himself over here now that he has come to work in Hampshire and play his bowls at Hook.

The man who caught Tony Allcock's eye when playing against England's Commonwealth Games team in Cape Town just over a year ago certainly impressed Plomer who said: "Grant is not only a very good drawing bowler but plays the running game really well too. He is very keen to shine in England and I think he will be quite an asset to the side."

The only other newcomer in the line-up on Saturday, June 7, is Bill Taws of Civil Service Portsmouth, the replacement for Matthew Marchant who is giving outdoor bowls a break.

As expected the two skips' positions vacated by Nicky Smith and Russell Morgan from last year have gone to Leo May and Haines. Leo's promotion means that Hampshire will have brothers at skip against Oxfordshire as Paul May has retained his place after such an impressive debut campaign in 2002.

Paul also enhanced his international reputation with two winning performances as a skip in the England junior trial at the New Lount club, Leicestershire, last weekend and is fully expected to retain his place when the national rinks are announced.

Haines, a Hampshire skip for many seasons, returns to that position after opting out last summer following the first cup match when he was chosen at three to Martyn Sekjer. Also recalled is Colin Thresher of Sports Centre who goes in at three to Leo May.