NEIL HOPE (Westlecot) and Russell Francis (Spencer Moulton) helped England to runners-up spot in the Junior Home International Series at Leamington Spa.

Scotland took the honours with three wins and 54 points, England totalled 42 with Wales third on 25 and Ireland on 11.

Hope, 24, in his fourth year as a junior international, and the 2002 Young England Bowler of the Year, was lead on the rink consisting of Craig Shepherd (Dorset), Ian Gallagher (Cumbria) and Paul May (Hants).

Against Scotland his rink won 27-10, drew 24-24 with Wales but surprisingly lost 20-17 against Ireland.

Francis played number two on the rink skipped by Durham's David Bolt. They drew 20-20 with Scotland but beat Wales and Ireland 24-16 and 23-21 respectively.

Tomorrow Wootton Bassett stage their last match in a special series to celebrate their 75th anniversary a mixed match when they host a combined side from the Wiltshire Men's and Women's Bowling Associations.

The game also marks Bassett chairman John Wilks last competitive match as county men's president.

The 2003/04 indoor season swings into action next week when the first league matches are staged on Monday at Westlecot.

And four members of the club, Mark Dyer, Mel Biggs, Neil Smith and Neil Hope travel to Nottingham next weekend to compete in the World Indoor qualifiers.

All four take part in the singles, while Biggs and Dyer team up in the pairs as do the two Neils.

On the national team front, Westlecot open their national inter-club championship campaign on October 25 with a second round tie against Thornbury.

Thamesdown face a second round Denny Cup tie against Yate.

Chippenham-based North Wilts have not been given a bye and therefore have to compete in the first round on October 11.

They have a tough game in prospect as they have been drawn against Bristol.

The victors will meet the winners of Malvern Hills and Leominster in round two.