Experienced Mason backs new faces to shine in Romania clash

FORWARD Rosalee Mason insists Great Britain's home grown players hold the key to their Division A status as Mark Clark's troops bid for a third successive win against Romania on Saturday.

EXPERIENCED CAMPAIGNER: Mason has backed the young guns to succeed in the international arena

The 29-year-old - who plays for French outfit U.S Colmiers - led from the front on Wednesday netting 17 points as Britain hammered Bosnia 91-58.

Five of the current squad ply their trade in Europe's elite leagues but Battersea-born Mason believes the British-based contingent will play a vital role in the remaining four EuroBasket games.

"There is a lot of young English talent in the squad and some of the girls are seeing international basketball for the first time," said Mason. "It will take a while for it to sink in but when it does their contribution will be extremely important.

"At 29 I am the oldest in the team and I am still learning different things as well. We still have some growing to do but that bodes well for the future.

"I have played around the leagues in Europe and the standard is high - we just need to get the British leagues up there now."

Britain face their toughest test to date against Romania in Nottingham but Mason admitted confidence couldn't be higher in the GB camp.

"Whenever you are about to play for your country you get fired up," added Mason. "We are all pumped up after the last two games and all want to get out there again.

"We have a point to prove and hopefully the home crowd will help us out."

RYAN BANGS