SUSSEX aces Oliver Roche and Andrew Smyth are walking tall after being selected for the England under-16 basketball side.

Roche, 6ft 5in, and Smith, 6ft 4in, were chosen following two trials for this season's 20-strong squad.

And the Brighton Bears and Angmering Cobras power forwards believe their height was a big factor.

Littlehampton Community School pupil Smith, 15, said: "The fact we were tall definitely helped. They were picking the taller ones and I'm delighted to be in.

"I wasn't really surprised because of all the hard work I've put in this season, but it is a real honour to be picked for your country."

Roche agrees on the vertical advantage factor but remains stunned by the call-up.

He said: "I'm seriously shocked. I went along to the first trial for a bit of a laugh and see what happened. When I got through I kept my feet on the ground for the second trial. At the end Andrew and I turned to each other and went mental when our names were called out.

"I've not really floated back to earth yet and I'm now even spotted at school with people nudging each other and whispering 'that's Oliver Roche, he plays for England'. I'd like to dwell on that a bit longer."

Oliver will celebrate his 15th birthday attending the first training camp on November 20 at the start of the build up to next May's Home Countries international.

The duo helped West Sussex to the national under-14s finals last year and their coach Dave Yates, who runs the Bears' National Cadet League team and the Cobras.

Yates feels the county has lacked recognition at international level despite national success.

He said: "Sussex have won about eight or nine national titles, but, when it came to picking the international squads, we had been under represented.

"It's good news for the boys and the county that recognition has come along. Oliver and Andrew have both worked very hard and deserve it.

"Andrew started when he was eight and Oliver was 11 and are a product of the county's development system that I've helped run.

"And there were a couple of others like Adam Leach and Steven Davies who went very close.

"We have other talented players like Sam Mead, but he is quite small and the selections tended to be on the tall side for the England squad."

But it will costs Roche and Smyth £500 in expenses to train and playing for their country.

Yates said: "They both need it and I hope there will be people interested in supporting them."

Anyone who wants to back them can reach Yates on 01903 772351.

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