• https://walesnetball.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/cropped-wales-netball-icon-logo-1.png

    Posted by:

    Wales Netball

  • Posted on:

    October 7, 2019

Powerful Performance from Wales U21 Secures European Silver

On Sunday 6 October, Wales Under 21 went into their final match of Netball Europe knowing that a win would likely see them take home a silver medal after a solid win over Scotland and a battling loss to hosts England.

It was the same starting seven that performed so well against the Young Thistles that returned to court for the third game and they were quick into stride, with WD Eleri Michael pressuring the NI feed and forcing a held ball. The defensive partnership of Miquie Walker Jones and Carys Allen were able to smother Northern Ireland in the circle and within ten minutes Wales were into a lead with captain Shona O’Dwyer powering up court with turnover ball.

Wales’ shooting partnership maintained their excellent form with Morganne Dunn and Georgia Jenkins consistently finding the target. With a solid centre pass platform Wales were able to convert their own ball with ease, meanwhile, at the other end of the court, Northern Ireland were being forced by the Welsh defence to shoot from further out. This meant that NI’s accuracy became a big issue and Wales could capitalise on rebounded balls. A great moment in the game came when Wales turned over a NI feed and the ball was launched up court. It looked certain to go out of play only for substitute Beca Hughes to fly up and tip it back into play for Dunn to convert the shot. At half time, the Welsh youngsters were well in control.

Northern Ireland were running out of options as the second half began as a chorus of obstruction calls went against them. As well as powering the Welsh attack, O’Dwyer was relentless in defence, tracking back to give the opposition a constant headache. NI made some substitutions but there was no immediate impact with another great interception for Eleri Michael and continuation of Wales’ patient style of play.

The last quarter did see some let up from Wales as Northern Ireland were able to string together some successive goals. Nevertheless, Wales looked the fitter side as they passed 50 goals in the match and kept their shape for the final minutes of the game to see out another impressive win. It was heartening to see such a strong travelling contingent of fans at the Worcester Arena and Wales received a standing ovation from fans and family as the full time whistle went.

Welsh Netball would like to congratulate Wales Under 21 on winning silver at this year’s Netball Europe competition. All of the players have worked so hard in preparation for the tournament and a particular thanks goes to the voluntary management team for all that they have given to the squad.

Furthermore, Welsh Netball would like to congratulate the four newly capped Under 21 players who made their debuts at this years competition: Nia Evans, Carys Llewelyn, Erin Williams and Morganne Dunn.

Quarter scores: 14-10 (14-10); 13-8 (27-18); 16-12 (43-30) 13-10 (56-40).

Wales Starting Seven: Morganne Dunn, Georgia Jenkins, Chloe Dyke, Shona O’Dwyer (Capt), Eleri Michael, Carys Allen and Miquie Walker-Jones. Bench: Beca Hughes, Erin Williams, Nia Evans, Carys Llewelyn and Bethan Johnson.

Senior National Clubs Championship 2024

Senior National Clubs is Wales’ highest level of senior club netball. Now in its second year, it has started our competition season off with a bang! The incredible talent was on display from the first games, all the way through to a tough final battle between the reigning champions and RCT Rockets, with Dinas Netball […]

November Volunteer of the Month

Hayley Farrugia has been hailed as a ‘Club Secretary Superwoman’, going above and beyond daily for those at Penybont Herons Netball Club – for over a decade. Hayley is our Volunteer of the Month for November in recognition of her consistency in showing up for the club and every member who is a part of […]

Here’s to 75 Caps and Counting: Celebrating Bethan Dyke!

Bethan Dyke has reached an incredible milestone: her 75th cap for Wales! The current Captain of the Welsh Feathers, Bethan’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable, with a career that has inspired both teammates and future generations of netball players. Bethan made her debut on 30th May 2014, earning her first cap during a […]

October Organisation of the Month

Bridgend Bolts Netball Club is a community hub in Bridgend that welcomes and encourages everyone to participate, with inclusive programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. They are our Organisation of the Month for October because of their commitment to community inclusion. Access to Netball from a young age was missing within Bridgend, something […]

October Volunteer of the Month

Our October Volunteer of the Month is Anya Jones, who has helped hundreds of young girls continue their sporting ambitions by accepting them into her Club with open arms, in addition to her many other volunteer obligations. She is an excellent advocate for netball participation in North West Wales. Sadly, in the summer of 2024, […]

Wales U21 Qualifies for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup

We are pleased to share that the Wales U21 squad has successfully qualified for the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup, set to take place in Gibraltar. The team competed in the Netball World Youth Cup Qualifiers hosted by Wales Netball in Cardiff last month, where our athletes had the opportunity to perform in front of […]
Scroll to Top