WHARFEDALE hooker John Lawn is involved in a race against the clock to be fit to take his place in the England Counties XV tour squad that will play three matches in Chile in June, (writes Tony Simpson).

Lawn and Wharfedale team-mate Andy Hodgson have both been chosen in the 26-man squad for the inaugural trip, but Lawn had his hand in pot when he received the news of his selection.

"I damaged my thumb in the last few minutes against Cheshire at New Brighton on Saturday," said lawn. "I simply caught my hand on a bloke's head making a tackle and didn't think too much about it at the time.

"But by Sunday morning it was giving me some pain and when I went to check it out at hospital and had it x-rayed, a slight crack was discovered.

"The technical term for the damage is a Rolandos fracture, which I understand could be OK again in three weeks or so under normal circumstances. We are due to meet for a four day training session at RAF Cosford in five weeks and I'm optimistic that I'll be fit for then, but the decision is with the tour management.

"I've given them all the information I have and told them that I definitely want to go, but it's down to them to make the decision."

The Threshfield pair are included in a 26-man squad which also has an added Yorkshire dimension in the shape of Otley backs Mark Kirkby and Andy Brown and Wakefield flanker Glen Wilson.

The White Rose flavour in the squad is also extended by the choice of Yarnbury and former Yorkshire coach Bob hood as one of the management team.

Hodgson's selection has come as a welcome end-of-season boost for a player who did not expect to get the call.

"To be honest, it was a surprise. I only managed the one county game on Saturday and didn't really think I'd be in the reckoning, so it's a great piece of news.

"In terms of rugby travels, I went to Australia and New Zealand when I was with Bradford Bulls, but otherwise, my only trips abroad have been with Wharfedale. In fact I've just been to the travel agents to pick up a brochure that gives me some idea of where I'm going.

"Another surprise was being chosen at full-back. I suppose I've always considered myself as a full-back by choice, but I've played in the centre because that was what the team needed and I've got used to the position and enjoy it. I've only played full-back a handful of times in recent seasons."

The party flies out on June 18 after their preparations at RAF Cosford.