BANBURY lock Doug Backhouse has been selected for the England Under 18 squad.

The promising teenager should make his debut during April’s tri-nations tournament in France.

Backhouse was picked after impressing at England’s development weekend in Loughborough, which clubmate Alex Cox also attended.

The pair are at the forefront of Banbury’s strong colts squad, who had 11 players make the Oxfordshire ranks this season.

Banbury colts lead coach Dave Walkden said: “Doug has battled against the odds to get where he has and, through nothing, but his own endeavours and the support of his team mates, he has developed into a first class player.

“He did not attend a private school, was overlooked time and again by the various professional club academies, and yet has still managed to get to the very top.”

With typical modesty, Backhouse announced his news via Twitter with the message: “Still can’t believe I’ve been selected to represent England U18’s.”

JUNIOR SCORERS

Under 16: Cheltenham Tigers 7, Banbury 61 (tries R Lines 3, G Grieve 3, W Hopkins, J Turner, A Taylor; cons L Catania 6, J Briggs 2).

Under 14: Bromsgrove 19, Banbury 20 (tries I Seiger 3, T McDonald).

Under 13: Banbury A 20 (tries T Chesser, T Parker, F Wyatt, O Broughton), Bromsgrove A 0; Banbury B 14 (tries B Cox 2; cons O Triggs 2), Bromsgrove B 15.

Under 12: High Wycombe 14, Banbury 34 (tries E Dancey Brock 3, J Relton 2, O Farr; cons Relton, D May).

Under 11: High Wycombe A 5, Banbury A 10 (tries J Leonard, T Sherpa-Moore); High Wycombe B 0, Banbury B 21 (tries L Tooth, G Verinder, H Oakes; cons S Church 3; High Wycombe mixed 0, Banbury mixed 5 (try W Stothard).

Under 10: High Wycombe 0, Banbury 60 (tries J Hancock 3, C Davies 3, J Joubert 2, C Smith 2, T Evans, C Brotherhood).