Wales Netball
June 17, 2016
Wales’ national Netball team play their first match today against
South Africa. Vice-captain Kelly Morgan
says the team are made of strong stuff.
“We had a fantastic day of training at the match venue
yesterday,” says Morgan, who has earned 29 caps for Wales netball. “We’re buzzing to get on the court and to
show the South Africans what the Welsh are made of, and we’re made of strong
stuff.”
Kelly and her team mates face the fifth ranked netball team
in the world at Durban’s International Convention Centre today at 8pm local
time. Wales are currently ranked eighth
in the world, and are looking to close the gap, according to Head Coach Trish
Wilcox.
“We have cracked the top ten in world netball – in fact we
are in the top eight,” says Wilcox, who led the Welsh team to finish in their
highest ranking position in 24 years at 7th place, at last year’s
World Cup in Sydney.
“We are looking at closing the gap and moving up the world
rankings,” says Wilcox.
Wales will play three test matches against the Rainbow
Nation from 17 to 19 June. Wales last
played South Africa at the Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia. Both sides have met eleven times before, but
South Africa remain unbeaten by Wales.
Wales have been training hard since arriving in Durban on
Tuesday, and have been enjoying their time in the city.
“We are absolutely loving our time in Durban so far, the
people are so friendly,” says Wales star shooter Chelsea Lewis.
“Our intensity in training has been great, and I truly
believe we are in a great place as a squad and aim to bring our A Game,” Lewis
added.
Wales Under 21 will also meet Baby Proteas – South Africa’s
Under 21 team – for three matches, starting today. Wales U21 will take the opportunity to
prepare for the World Cup qualifying Netball Europe tournament hosted by Wales
in October this year.
Wales U21 is led by captain Megan Powell.
