CLAIRE SPREADBURY is one match away from becoming an England international - at the age of 14.

The talented Loddon Vale member has been chosen to play in a national practice game at Barwell, Leicestershire, on Sunday, when a fine performance could earn her a call-up for the England Under-25 team.

Twenty-four hopefuls will be in action against a Leicestershire men's side and afterwards the selectors will pick four rinks plus a reserve rink to face Wales and Ireland in the junior girls' series at Cynon Valley, near Mountain Ash, Wales, on January 19-20.

Claire, who only celebrated her 14th birthday earlier this month, has already impressed the selectors during a national trial at Solihull, where she showed maturity beyond her years and she will be eager to reproduce that form on Sunday.

"Claire is very committed to the sport and that certainly showed in the trial, where she did play well.

"She is delighted to be chosen for Barwell and the family and everyone at Loddon Vale will be keeping their fingerscrossed for her," said her father Phil, a director at the Basingstoke club as well as their publicity officer and vice-captain.

The Richard Aldworth schoolgirl's date in Leicestershire means she will miss an historic Hampshire occasion.

Through the initiative of Hampshire Indoor BA president David Spence, an under-17 inter-county league kicks off at Palmerston on Sunday.

The league involving Hampshire, Wiltshire and Sussex is believed to be the first of its kind for youngsters in the country.

Opening match is between Hampshire and Wiltshire with Wilts facing Sussex on January 20 and Hampshire playing Sussex on February 17.

All three fixtures areat Palmerston with 10.30am starts. Games will consist of three rinks of triples playing 18 ends.

The Hampshire rinks, under the wing of county coaching co-ordinator Tony Grant, will be: Elaine Cullen, Ben Settle, skip Lee Trowern (all Palmerston); Katy Shott, Nick Wood, skip Paul Shott (all Banister Park); Hannah Collins (Atherley), Andrew Herring (Banister Park), skip Andrew Snook (Atherley). Reserves: Thomas Bishop, Craig Harris (both Atherley), Gemma Weston, Luke Weston (both Palmerston).