THE CRICKETING talents of Megan Pearcey have been rewarded with a place in the England women's development squad.

The 14-year-old Cranbourne schoolgirl, who lives in Wootton St Lawrence, was one of three girls selected after ECB regional training at Guildford.

From some 30 girls aged 12-19, Pearcey was the only one chosen from Hampshire.

Last season the all-rounder was the Hampshire under-15 vice-captain.

She opened both the batting and bowling for her county and, such is her strength, that she was able to hold down a regular place with the boys in her under-15 club side at Oakley, where her father Owen is a coach.

Her batting and quick bowling, with a natural away swing, also put her in the Andover Ladies side.

Pearcey attended her first England training session at Trent Bridge at the weekend where she was guided by top coaches Graham Dilley, Richard Davis and Paul Johnson.

Three more England winter training sessions are planned at Trent Bridge but numbers will be reduced for these because of the return of the senior squad from the world cup in New Zealand.

In preparation for the two-day England training session, Pearcey has been working on her fitness with regular visits to her local gym, Aspects of Fitness.

In a southern region inter-county tournament at Lord Wandsworth College, Long Sutton last August, Pearcey was voted the best bowler after taking five wickets in a match to help Hampshire to victory. She also scored a half-century.

Her Hampshire captain and clubmate Jenny Kidgell was the best bat after scoring an unbeaten 90.

From a starting line-up of seven counties, Devon were the plate winners.