Squash: Haydn has a shot at the title

May 1 2008 by David Williams, Merthyr Express

Haydn Jones of Thomastown will compete for Wales in the Four Nations Over-60s squash tournament today (Thursday) more than 20 years after gaining his first cap.

Merthyr Vets Club member Haydn travels to Nottingham for the event which will see him take on Scotland, Ireland and England.

Training at Rhydycar Leisure Centre, the 60-year-old plays for Merthyr in the Mid Glamorgan League and Abercynon in the Welsh League.Pulling on the Welsh shirt is still a special honour for Haydn who has competed for the national team for close on 20 years in Over-35, 40, 45, 50 and now 60 groups.

“It’s still a proud moment when I pull on the jersey,” he said. “I’m a very patriotic Welshman and still get the same thrill now as I did when I had my first cap.”

Two more Merthyr squash players are taking part in other age groups.

Welsh Premier League player Phil Harris will be competing in the Over-50s event in St Mellons, Cardiff, while Len Thomas is in Ireland trying to win silverware for the Over-65s.

Haydn added: “We’ve got an outside chance of winning.England are the team to beat as they have more players to choose from and have several Pakistani and Indian players in their ranks.”