For the second year in succession Matthew Bowden of Sedgefield is included in the England team which is competing in the city of Loule, Portugal, junior international waterpolo tournament this weekend.

Matthew, who celebrates his 17th birthday whilst he is there, is also a junior international swimmer and he had to decide between going to Loule or competing in the Great Britain Olympic team trials, for Sydney in September, which are currently being staged in Sheffield, and he opted for the international representation. He could also be eligible for his third selection for Loule next year.

England has taken part in this tournament for the past ten years and has won it each time. Also competing are Portugal, Switzerland, Ireland, and Andalucia. Each team will play once each day for four days. Also included are Yorkshire players Dan Girling, Sheffield, Richard Leighton and Matthew Birch, both Rotherham.

Also missing the Olympic trials, due to international representation, are Robin Francis, York, and Claire Johnson, Leeds, who are included in the 24-strong, 11 girls and 13 boys, British team at this weekend's European junior championships in Dunkirk, France. A staff of 12 is accompanying the team.

At last year's championships, in Moscow, Britain won 12 medals - one gold, six silver and five bronze.