KATY Smith, from the Wootton Bassett club, is poised to make her England international debut this weekend.

The teenager from Peatmoor, West Swindon, has been named by Bowls England in a 12-strong squad to participate in its first U18 Test Series against Wales on her own green at Wootton Bassett this coming Saturday and Sunday.

The match over the two days has been organised as part of Bowls England’s continuing commitment to increase opportunities for younger players to participate in the sport.

Planned for the two sessions on Saturday starting at 2pm are two male and female pairs and triples matches over 15 ends followed by two mixed pairs and triples matches. Actual line-ups will be announced on the day just prior to the matches commencing.

And on Sunday morning (10am) two male and female four wood singles matches as well as two fours games will be contested.

The selected England squad is: Leah Bamford (Kent), Chloe Brett (Huntingdonshire), James Fuge (Essex), Anna Hall (Kent), Liam Harris (Suffolk), Tom Holmes (Herefordshire), Harry Goodwin (Devon), Imogen Jenner (Kent), Louis McCubbin (Hampshire). Rebecca Moorbey (Cambridgeshire), Katy Smith (Wiltshire) and John Yates (Lancashire).

The Wootton Bassett connection for this first U18 international against Wales is completed with former Bassett chairman Hedley Bowen, who is the England men’s junior team manager, leading the men’s team along with his ladies counterpart Gail Gilkes during this event against Wales.