TWO former members of Peebles Netball have won a place in the Scottish Thistles squad for the World Cup in Australia next year.

Jo Petitt, 19, and 18-year-old Lauren Tait, both from West Linton, have been selected in the 21-strong list for the event in Sydney in August.

The pair, both from West Linton, joined Peebles Netball when they were in S1 and trained with them throughout their time at the High School.

Linda Nicholson, coach to Peebles Netball, said: “Everyone at Peebles Netball is absolutely thrilled to see our former players reaching this international stage so quickly.

“We know how hard these netballers work in training to reach incredible fitness and skill levels. Their years of dedication have paid off and we all wish them the very best for the coming months in the long squad.” Jo and Lauren played in the same Peebles High School team which won the Scottish Schools championships last year.

Lauren played for Peebles Netball up until a few months ago before going to Stirling University while Jo is a student at Strathclyde University. They both now play for Glasgow Saltires.

Jo, a goal shooter, and Lauren, a goal defender, have also benefited from the Borders Athlete Support Programme. Jo, who played for Scotland in this summer’s Commonwealth Games, is now supported by the Scottish Institute of Sport.