BARRY Barker last night revealed why he pulled out of this week's Open Championship regional qualifier at Stockport - he'd been called up by England.

''I'd given up hope because I've not been playing well this year so the invitation came out of the blue,'' said the Reddish Vale player.

He will make his international debut in next week's Chiberta Grant Prix in Biarritz which clashed with the Open's final qualifying stage.

''Playing for England has always been my dream - now my aim is to keep my place,'' said Barker.

Bramall Park's Scott Jackson and Cheshire teammate Daniel Wardrop are in Poland this week playing in the six-strong England side for the European Boys' Championship at the Amber Baltic club.

Meanwhile, Cheshire face the moment of truth on Saturday when they tackle Northern Counties League championship Yorkshire at Ilkley.

Graham Brown's resurgent side, who have picked up the wooden spoon in the last two seasons, lead the table courtesy of a better ''goal average'' from the Tykes and dark horses Cumbria.

They are led by newly-crowned county champion Gareth Bradley, from Bramhall, in a line-up which sees the return of Shrigley Hall's former M.E.N. champion James Murphy.