‘Six of the best’…or should that be ‘the magnificent seven’? - pictured is an impressive line-up of talented players from Heatherton Indoor Bowls Club, who are all due to represent their country in the forthcoming weeks.

Seen from left are - Katie Dickinson, Rhys Day, Mel Thomas, Mike Jackson, Steph Amos and John Roberts.

Unfortunately, the seventh member of the St. Florence club’s international class of ‘24, Ryan Thomas (pictured inset), was unavailable when the photograph was taken.

After several trials and development days, Katie kicks-off the action for Wales this weekend when she flies to Belfast, Northern Ireland, for the ladies’ under 25 home international series.

In March, she will also make her debut for the main Welsh side when she joins teammates and established internationals Mel and Steph for the much-anticipated BIIBC senior series, being held this year at the Falcon Club in Chelmsford, Essex.

Rhys, meanwhile, travels to Scotland (Glasgow) on February 16 with the men’s under 25 squad, having impressed with the mixed under 18s last year, while a month later, John, Mike and Ryan cross the border into England as they follow the ladies to Chelmsford for the men’s international series.

John and Mike have been regular members of the Welsh squad in recent times, while Ryan, who was selected as reserve last season, steps up to take his place in the team proper for the first time this year.

It’s a remarkable achievement for a relatively small club like Heatherton to have so many players representing their country in a single season.

Indeed, the Club is rightly proud of the super seven, whose selection for Wales is richly deserved for their unstinting dedication and commitment to the sport.

They are wished the best of luck in their various competitions as they continue to put indoor bowls in West Wales well and truly on the international map. Long may it continue!