Denis Cleary set for international badminton cap (From York Press)
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Denis Cleary set for international badminton cap
10:18am Saturday 26th February 2011 in Badminton
Denis Cleary makes more net gains in competitive action
EASINGWOLD’S Denis Cleary will win his first international badminton cap when he lines up for England against Scotland in the 11th McCoig Trophy clash in York.
Cleary and doubles partner Pete Preston, were selected for the veterans’ team event, to be held in the Minster city for the first time next month.
The old enemies clash in five matches across five age groups for the trophy, named in honour of celebrated for badminton international Bob McCoig.
The teams play men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles in the age groups 40-plus, 45-plus, 50-plus, 55-plus and 60-plus.
York RI’s Queen Street base has been chosen as the venue for the match on Friday, March 4 as it alternates between England and Scotland. The English legs are normally hosted by Lancashire.
Cleary has represented his country in individual international tournaments but this is his first team call-up and he said: “This fulfils one of my ambitions to be selected to represent England.”
Cleary, who is ranked at number three in doubles in the 55-plus age group, is a member of Clifton Badminton Club, playing in the York and District League.
He has coached children and adults for 30 years and also works with the Great Britain Deaf Squad and is coaching them in the build-up to the World Championships in Korea in May.
The McCoig clash is being staged on the same weekend as the Yorkshire Veterans’ Championships, which will be played on Friday, March 4, Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6.
Susan Ely, Yorkshire Veterans’ tournament secretary, was delighted to be bringing the trophy match to the White Rose county to coincide with the county event.
She said: “We are over the moon to have it here. The entry for the Yorkshire Veterans’ tournament that follows it is bigger and it’s great to have international players here.”
