CHIPPENHAM cueman Shaun Ryan is ready to lead by example when he skippers the England Masters team at next week’s European Blackball Association Nations Cup in Northern Ireland.

The 52-year-old, who plays out of the Chippenham Royal club, will be captaining an over 50s side, including fellow club-mate Pete Beckenham, for the competition for ‘B’ teams in Coleraine.

Ryan, who will be representing his country in his second Nations Cup and also played for England in April’s European Championships in Bridlington, and Beckenham, will be competing against the likes of hosts Northern Ireland and Scotland across four days of play, starting on Monday.

“We’re flying out on Sunday and we won’t be back until the Saturday afterwards,” said Ryan, who is sponsored by Westbury firm Formative Group.

“When you play for England, you have to hit certain percentages to keep your place, otherwise you have to re-trial, so there’s always a lot of pressure.

“I got asked the last time I was with the squad if I fancied having a crack at it. I’ve always been quite vocal and tried to encourage other people a lot when we’ve been away.

“It is a bit more pressure because you have to lead by example, but I’m looking forward to it.

“There’ll be team matches, singles and doubles to play in and I think we’ve got quite a strong squad, so we might have a good chance of winning it.

“Pete is going to be in my squad. He used to own the club but a guy called Gordon Smart took over quite recently. He’s been letting us practice for free over the last few weeks.”

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