Paisley Daily Express

MORAN TO FLY THE FLAG DOWN UNDER

Squash star eyes-up Games medal

- Craig Ritchie

Paisley squash ace Kevin Moran is aiming for Gold Coast glory after being selected to compete for Team Scotland at the 2018 Commonweal­th Games in Australia.

The 27- year- old was part of Scotland’s bronze medal winning squash team at the 2016 European Team Championsh­ips and returns for his second Commonweal­th Games in April.

Having reached the last 16 of the Mixed Doubles at Glasgow 2014, Moran is hoping for a medal this time around in the same event alongside Montrose’s Lisa Aitken.

In the first week of action on the Gold Coast, he will compete in the Men’s Singles but believes his best chance of claiming a podium spot is in the Mixed competitio­n that follows.

He said: “I will look to be very competitiv­e in the Singles but the Mixed Doubles is where I hope to medal.

“Lisa and I have proved we are right up there able to compete with the best in the world, so we’re hopeful that we can come back with a medal.

“We won four out of five matches against England in some recent Test matches down south, which gives us a confidence exciting. boost. “Competing for your country

“So, as a relatively new is something that comes with partnershi­p, we are working a tag of responsibi­lity, but I am well.” delighted to be involved again.

He added: “Lisa has been “The last time was more about doing fantastica­lly well this year. the experience. It was my first Paisley Rugby Club has put a

“She is so strong on her side of time at a Commonweal­th Games call out to all budding new the court that it makes it easier to and this time I’ll look to use that players to come and give it a be her partner. go. experience to try and get into

“I am really fortunate that medal contention. Following Scotland’s she is in my team and not an “The Gold Coast squash

stunning Calcutta Cup victory opposing one.” facilities are new, but I have been

over England at the weekend, Moran, who won the Scottish out to Australia about six times Doubles title last year, alongside before, so acclimatis­ing to the the club is keen to attract new Douglas Kempsell, continued: time difference and the weather members. “Being selected this year feels should be second nature. A club spokesman said:“If different to when I was selected “We will prepare as best we can you have been watching this for Glasgow 2014 but just as to try and bring back a medal.” year’s Six Nations and thought that it looked like something you’d like to be involved in, then Paisley Rugby Club can help you kick off your Scotland ambitions.

“Whether you are new to the game or an old(ish) hand, we have the team to suit your needs.

“With two senior teams and a growing junior section, choose Paisley and come down to a session.”

Senior training takes place each Tuesday, from 7pm to 8.30pm, at The Anchor and on Thursdays, from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, at Ralston Sports Centre.

Junior training for primary kids is on Thursdays at 6pm to 7pm, at The Pitz.

Secondary school aged youngsters train on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm, at Renfrew Sports Centre.

For more informatio­n visit the club’s Facebook page.

 ??  ?? Warm welcome awaits Paisley Rugby Club is on the lookout for new members of all ages
Warm welcome awaits Paisley Rugby Club is on the lookout for new members of all ages
 ??  ?? Golden opportunit­y Kevin can’t wait to head to the Gold Coast
Golden opportunit­y Kevin can’t wait to head to the Gold Coast
 ??  ?? Confident Paisley squash ace Kevin Moran
Confident Paisley squash ace Kevin Moran

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