Two pupils from the Deanes Sports College, Thundersley, are in line for international selection.

Louisa Brownfield and Collette Maskell were both picked out by talent scouts to attend England netball trials.

They play for Deanes' under-16 netball club and were spotted while turning out for their respective clubs, Billericay and Star, in the national clubs' tournament.

They have already successfully attended a weekend trial in Harlow and are now aiming for selection at the next England get together, due to be held later this month.

At the double - Louisa Brownfield (left) and Collette Maskell are in line for England netball selection

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Soccer: Thundersley pupils' Old Trafford tempter

Youngsters from Thundersley Primary School are in with a great chance of playing at Old Trafford before a top Premiership match later in the season.

For they won the year six tournament staged by the Manchester United Soccer School in conjunction with the English Schools FA at Deanes School, Thundersley.

The year seven secondary school event was won by London visitors Langdon and the two winners now go through to semi-finals being staged in Manchester next month with the two finalists from each age group then going into action at Old Trafford for overall glory.

A total of 16 primary and ten secondary schools were involved in the seven-a-side action at Daws Heath Road where they took advantage of utilising the excellent facilities at Deanes, who acquired the much coveted sports college status in 1998, to take part in this exciting tournament.

Action at Deanes was in one of six such tournaments to take place and Malcolm Berry, chief executive of the English Schools' Football Association, said: "We are taking this opportunity of working with Manchester United in support of a series of tournaments designed to encourage the small-sided game within our schools and the long term development of all our young players.

"Football is a competitive game, but it has to be played to be enjoyed with not too much emphasis on winning."

Top prize - Westwood and Kents Hill Primary Schools battle to stay in with a chance of the Old Trafford prize.

Picture: MAXINE CLARKE

Basketball: Net result for Girls

Greensward School, Hockley, have long held a reputation for excellence in basketball and they've got the new campaign off to a solid start.

The under-16 girls started the defence of their national championship crown when they triumphed 91-36 over Simon Balle School, Hertfordshire.

Not to be outdone, the boys at the same age group saw off the opposition from Hemel Hempstead 86-70.

A number of the outstanding girl players are pushing for selection at South- East England trials this coming weekend.

Vicki Willmore and Jo Andrews are making their bid at under-15 level, while Laura Keys, Danielle Hills, Hannah Wilhelmy and Natalia Payne are pushing at the under-16 age group.

Night on the tiles - Greensward's under-13 girls are bidding for glory this season with new kits sponsored by Paul Keys, owner of Rayleigh Roofing.

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.