Wales Netball
October 8, 2017
A well-drilled Scottish Thistles side proved too much for Wales to overcome on the third day of the Netball Europe Open Championships in Cardiff. The Thistles overcame the hosts 58-49 as they pulled clear in the final quarter.
The match saw Scotland make a strong start in what was a high-intensity, passionate contest. Nevertheless, Wales kept in touch and were only two goals adrift going into the end of the period. Wales rang the changes going into the second quarter, with Nia Jones moving to wing-defence as Fern Davies came onto the court. Georgia Rowe and Sarah Llewelyn combined well to convert opportunities, however Scotland were able to capitalise on Welsh errors and increase their lead to 6 mid-way through the period. Credit to Wales as they raised the tempo and minimised errors and so closed the gap to 3 at half-time.
The third quarter was bad tempered and physical as Wales sought to put their stamp on the court. Amanda Varey, Suzy Drane and Chelsea Lewis brought new impetus but the Scottish defence remained steadfast and they kept a hold of their advantage.
Hopes of a Wales comeback soon diminished in the final quarter as both teams traded blows in the final quarter. Wales were able to get within 2, however a failure to look after the ball resulted in a disappointing final score-line and a second defeat to the tournament.
Wales must now regroup and dig deep as they face a final match against England who have retained their Netball Europe crown after defeating Northern Ireland and Scotland, as well as invitational side Fiji.
Quarter scores (Wales first) 12-14; 23-26; 37-40; 49-58.
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
In the other matches of Day 3, Northern Ireland and England both recorded victories over invitational side Fiji.
