Wales Netball
October 8, 2017
Wales made a bright early start to the first quarter, despite some wayward passes allowing England to pinch a lead. Despite some great scoring from the Welsh players, the English attack seemed to find plenty of space. At the end of the first quarter he Roses enjoyed a six-point lead, with the final goal coming within microseconds of the hooter.
The Roses continued the sterling form after the break, amassing a 10-point lead within a couple of minutes. Wales seemed to have little joy in nullifying a relentless English offence. There were some bright points, as Bethan Dyke and Suzy Drane linked well at wing-attack and centre respectively to supply Georgia Rowe with some nice scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, it was tough going as England took a 40-26 lead at half-time.
After half time Cara Lea Moseley and Kyra Jones joined the fray as Wales sought to find some more fluency in the match. The two sides exchanged goals and despite not making any impression on the English lead, the Welsh defence looked far sharper as the quarter wore on. The two late goals conceded were not reflective of a much-improved effort.
In the final quarter, Cara Lea Moseley took on shooting duties and Wales did find a touch more attacking fluency; however England were not to be stopped and completed an undefeated Netball Europe tournament with a 72-50 victory.
In the other match of Day 4, Northern Ireland trumped Scotland by a mere 1 goal, giving them the silver medal bragging rights.
International thoughts will now turn to the upcoming Wales v Team Bath fixture to be held in Ebbw Vale next month, as well as planning for what will be a critical Netball Europe World Cup Qualifiers tournament in Perth, Scotland early next year.
Quarter scores: 12-18; 26-40; 40-56; 72-50.
Wales team: F Davies, S Drane (C), B Dyke, K Jones, N Jones, C Lewis, S Llewelyn, CL Moseley, G Rowe, C Shaw, L Thomas & A Varey.
Image courtesy of Ian Lovell.
