England call for Merryl

DARTS

MERRYL DENNIS, who plays for Heavily Trees in the Bideford and District League, has been called up by England for the first time.

She is in the seven-strong ladies squad for the 2012 British Internationals, to be played in Wales on April 14 and 15.

The team will be captained by former world champion Trina Gulliver who phoned Merryl, 50, with the good news.

Merryl said: "It's something every darts player who doesn't just go out on a Tuesday night for a drink aims for.

"I have played for the county for about 25 years, first with Somerset and now Devon.

"Where do you go from England? Hopefully I can stay in there."

Merryl reached the semi- finals of the World Masters in September, beating world No 1 Deta Hedman 4-1 along the way before being knocked out by Lisa Ashton, 4-3.

Both players will become team-mates for Merryl next month.

Her husband, Richard, was playing in the Bideford and District League when they met.

Every Tuesday they travel from their Tiverton home to play in the competition.

Merryl also plays for Exeter Eagles in the Devon Super League.