Both the current international skips have been selected for a two-day Test series against Wales at the Swindon Westlecot club on September 17/18 after which the Commonwealth Games squad will be finalised.

Popple won a fours bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, but was not involved in the last two Games in Manchester and Melbourne.

Reynolds, who has already been selected to represent England in the Hong Kong Classic pairs event in December, was selected for the last World Bowls preparatory squad, but didn’t make the final cut.

n STILL on an international theme, the Morton brothers, Ean and Tristan, are in action at Ayr Northfield this weekend for the England Under 25 team, who are bidding to wrest the British Isles junior series trophy from Scotland.

Tristan, who plays two to Derbyshire’s Phillip Broughton, is appearing in the team for the third year in a row, while older brother Ean, who skips a rink, makes his second consecutive appearance. Spalding youngster Martin Spencer is also in the team.

n SPALDING’S Graham Smith has won the latest tournament in the Super Series event at Bristol.

He collected a £1,250 cheque after beating fellow England indoor international Brett Arkley (Stanley) 4-4, 8-2 in the final and he’s now in with a chance of qualifying for the Champion of Champions play-offs later this year, as is another local international, Nicky Brett, who was successful in one of the earlier tournaments.

n WHITTLESEY Manor A have topped the Peterborough League’s Midweek League Premier Division after beating defending champions Perkins A 10-0 this week to clinch the title.

Peterborough & District finished four points adrift after a 9-1 last-match victory over bottom side Yaxley B.

The top two also shared the Midweek League’s KO Cup competitions, with District winning the Rowlett Trophy and Manor the Munday Shield.