WALLINGFORD’S Tony Wheeler helped England win a veterans’ tournament after achieving a dream by playing for his country.

Wheeler, who has represented Oxfordshire for almost 40 years, got the call-up to play for England in the Masters Home International Championships in Nottingham.

“I was over the moon to be selected,” said the Hithercroft member. “The depth of players in England makes it extremely difficult to win a place.”

Wheeler came into the team for captain Martin Pearce, who left himself out after losing his match in their opening 3-2 win over Scotland.

And he took his chance in style by beating Wales’s Chris Leach 9-1, 9-1, 9-2, before defeating Ireland’s Ciaron Roche 9-3, 9-3, 9-0.

This helped England win the over 65s tournament and the team elected Wheeler to receive the trophy and to keep it for a year.

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