Final frustrations for Tony as local Juniors get international call-ups

A regular in the various Masters events around the country, Clarke was to beat Bob Evans and Michael O’Malley in the round-robin series of the Mens Singles 65 in straight sets.

He then took David Kenny all the way in two sets in the final before coming out on the wrong side of a 21/19 21/18 scoreline.

Tony also partnered Dympna Sheridan in the Mixed Doubles 65. They reached the final but again it was to be heartache for the local man as he and his partner were to finish runners-up to David Kenny and Janet Ferguson after losing 21/12 21/16.

Tony went for a last chance at glory in the Mens Doubles 60. He partnered David Kenny and again did well to reach the final.

However, yet again Tony was to fall at the final hurdle. This time he and his partner were beaten by Kevin McGrath and Derek Murtagh in the final 21/11 21/14/

That was after beating Bob Evans and Michael O’Malley 21/9 21/9 to get to the decider.

Junior Internationals

Ireland’s top junior players were in Baldoyne at the weekend and a host of Alpha’s top players were named amongst them in the Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 squads.

Jack Livingstone, Jack Armstrong and Matthew Cheung were there for the Under 13 squad while sisters Rachael and Rebecca Woods were joined by another talented teen Beth Stephenson at Under 15 level.

Ulster Under 17 champion John McCreedy who has been taking the Under 17 age group by storm was also there along with Conor Monteith and Matthew Steele.