POOL: CREWE hotshots Phil Malam and Dave Preece are on target for their second successive England trial.

Both local players qualified for the annual trials last year and, although they missed out then, they have maintained their super form and look certain to threaten the international scene once again.

They have each won 18 games this season. Last season 25 wins was enough for an England trial and with plenty more action to come, they are in line for the shoot-out style trial.

Dave, of Rolls Avenue, said: 'To do it two years on the bounce would be fantastic. You have to finish in the top eight in the North West Region to qualify out of about 230 players. It's hard work but both Phil and I should do it.'

Dave plays for the King's Arms in the Crewe Licensed Houses Pool League, while Phil, of Richmond Road, is on form for Sydney Arms.

Phil works for Bentley and is in his first year on The International Pool Tour. He is looking to break the top 100 of the game's elite, and aims to make the top 64 by 2007 and join Dave in the professional pool ranks.

Dave said: 'Even more impressive is that Phil has actually missed a game through holiday. He would be one of very few players in pool history to get a trial for England after not playing a full season.'

The England trials are a one-off competition with eight places in the squad up for grabs. They will be held in Great Yarmouth early next year. nCheshire Men A Team recorded a super 28-16 win over Merseyside Men A at the Dishers Pool & Snooker Club, South Street, Crewe.

Cheshire Men B romped home to a 35-9 success over Merseyside Men B, while Cheshire Ladies won their first ever match with a 27-17 win over Merseyside Ladies.