DEAN MORGAN returned from South Africa convinced that the trip to the sun was a definite step in the right direction for England's medal hopes at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.

"It was an excellent experience. Everything was good about it from the bowling aspect, the technical side and the team bonding between the men, women, disabled bowlers and the blind member of the squad Ruth Small.

"Everyone got on with everyone else, players and technical staff - and the purpose of going there was certainly achieved," said the 31-year-old Hampshire bowler, who has been chosen to play in the pairs alongside Steve Farish (Cumbria) at the Manchester Games next summer.

After flying to Johannesburg, the England party were based in Durban for their ten-day stay.

Following two games against Port Natal, Morgan and the entire squad had two Test matches against a strong South African side which were played in temperatures that regularly topped 90 degrees.

Morgan and Farish had mixed luck, losing in the opening fixture 19-18 to Mike Stein and Jerry Baker on the last end, but winning their second game 25-22 against Johann Plessis and Baker.

England were overall winners of both matches, taking the first Test 9-7 and the second 12-4.

Morgan was not the only Hampshire bowler buoyed by the trip. Julian Haines, an England selector, member of the technical staff and a former international, was equally satisfied by the progress towards podium places for Manchester.