SUPERMARINE Rugby Club will play host to some of English rugby's potential stars of the future on Sunday.

The South Marston club's burgeoning reputation as a top regional rugby facility will be enhanced when England's under 18 team play a trial match at their Highworth Road venue (2pm).

The national youth side will take on a Bristol under 19 line-up at the Highworth Road ground as part of their preparations for the Four Home Unions Festival, which starts in Cardiff next month.

It's not the first time Supermarine have hosted a national team. The England Deaf squad also trained there before a recent international in Cardiff.

And it's another lift for the Dorset & Wilts One North club, who have recently boosted their facilities with the addition of floodlights, thanks to the Rugby Football Union.

Spectators are welcome and club secretary Geoff Bath said: "It's good for the club. We have got good facilities and we need to make sure they are used.

"It's about putting something back into the community. As the match is on a Sunday afternoon, hopefully people will come out and watch.

"If people see a game like this taking place at the club, they will think it is a good place to come and play.''

n WOOTTON Bassett will hope there are no ill-effects from their Dorset & Wilts 1st XV Vase exit at Weymouth when they resume their Southern Counties South campaign at fourth-placed Sherborne tomorrow.

Joint leaders Bassett welcome back powerful second row Flo Vialan and No 8 Tim Gallimore in the pack.

The half-back pairing of Tug Wilson and Nick Parker also start

Second row Colin Mountford, hooker Adam Rumble, prop Mark Roshier, back row Stuart Catherall and winger Alex Penny all drop to the reserve team to face Old Culverhaysians in the Bath & District Combination 2nd XV Merit Table clash at Stoneover Lane.

Skipper Ady Briggs has nearly 40 players to choose from as the third string entertain Trowbridge in Dorset and Wilts Two North.

Meanwhile, Swindon are hoping hosts Thatcham don't cry off from their Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier Division match.

The Berkshire side have already been docked six points for failing to fulfil fixtures this term, but with points difference a factor in the title race, table topping Swindon will be eager to play.

Prop Nick Brooks returns and lock Andy Morley makes a return after a six-week break. Centre James Turney comes in along with Jamie Whatcott on the wing and Guy Sturla moves to full-back.

Among the substitutes are Danny Way, Andy Hyde and former skipper Stuart Cock returns to the squad for the first time this season following a knee injury.