FIVE Hampshire bowlers have been called up for the southern area England under-25 indoor trial.

Mark Hammond (Banister Park), Victory duo Matthew Marchant and Steve Robertson and Hampshire newcomer Michael Hutley will all be heading for Egham on Sunday, October 17, along with Palmerston's Lee Trowern, who is named as one of the reserves.

The northern area trial is on the previous day at Leeds.

Robertson is on the crest of a wave after qualifying for the prestigious Welsh Masters at Llanelli, an event on the World Bowls Tour.

The Hampshire man went through from the round at Stanley, Durham, and not only guaranteed himself a place among the last 32 at Llanelli in February but also at least £600 of the prize fund and five world ranking points.

Although still eligible for England juniors, Robertson is too old for Hampshire's under-25 side. He is 25 next March but the age qualification date is different for county and country.

His England and Hampshire colleague, Paul May, however, is now too old for any under-25 competitions and the Banister Park indoor member and Robertson are the two bowlers missing from the Hampshire junior trial squad who reached the final of the EIBA double rink championship at Melton Mowbray in April.

But the squad has been boosted by the arrival of Michael Hutley, who has switched his winter allegiance from Dorset.

The East Dorset teenager has already built a big reputation outdoors this summer by winning both the Hampshire under-25 singles and the fours title as a Boscombe Cliff bowler.

Hampshire hold a trial at Atherley on Sunday (9.30) in preparation for their first-round clash with Essex next month when the Hampshire venue will be Victory. Trial teams:

Blue stickers: Tom Bishop (Atherley), Michael Hutley (East Dorset), Jody Bright (Atherley), Matthew Marchant (Victory);

Michael Comley (Banister Park), Michael Aldren, Luke Young (both Atherley), Barry Stafford (Palmerston).

Red/white stickers: Lee Trowern (Victory), Ben Settle (Palmerston), Nick Wood, Mark Hammond (both Banister Park);

Andrew Herring (Banister Park), Kristian Holland (Loddon Vale), Simon Doig (Riverside), James Spreadbury (Loddon Vale).

Reserves: Chris Prior (Banister Park), Luke Weston (Palmerston), Joe White (Loddon Vale).