With both Wales and Scotland chasing a 9th place finish at the Netball World Cup 2023 in Cape Town, there was plenty to play for when the two sides went head-to-head in our final match of the competition.
Some great intercepts and rebounds from the Welsh Feathers ensured we edged ahead, taking a two-goal advantage into the first break. Wales continued to dominate and picked up where they left off, with Ella Powell-Davies and Christina Shaw doing exceptionally well on defence, widening the gap slightly to head into halftime with a 25-22 lead.
This match seemed to see the Welsh Feathers at their best. The defence, midcourt, and attack worked seamlessly, and nothing the Scottish Thistles did seemed to deter them.
A nine-goal gap by the end of the third period proved too much to close for Scotland, and with goal shooter Georgia Rowe completing a near-flawless performance in the Wales circle, with 42 goals from 44 attempts, the Feathers wrapped up the crucial 57-42 victory to secure them the ninth spot in their last match of the Netball World Cup.
The Welsh Feathers secured their ninth position in fashion, winning all four quarters, ending the match on a 92% shooting accuracy, 93 feeds, 12 rebounds, and 5 intercepts.
With her near perfect performance, in this match and throughout the competition, Georgia Rowe claimed the Player of the Match award and teammate and Captain Nia Jones praised her performances throughout the competition in her post-match interview.
Quarter Scores
Q1: 12-10
Q2: 25-22 (13-11)
Q3: 42-33 (17-11)
Q4: 57-42 (15-10)
Player of the Match: Georgia Rowe