Congratulations to six Welsh players who have received their
first Wales under 21 caps this weekend, at the South Africa test series.
Anna Brindley, Carys Allen, Lowri Jenkins, Lowri Norkett,
Celyn Emanuel and Emma Roberts have all taken to the court to play Netball
South Africa’s U21 team – the Baby Porteas.
Twenty year old Vice-captain Lowri Norkett has made the
starting line-up in two of three test matches, and says she’s feeling enormous
pride.
“I gained my first Under 21 cap on Friday and I couldn’t
have felt prouder stepping on court representing Wales against such tough
opposition,” says Norkett, who studies Sports Coaching at Cardiff Metropolitan
University.
Twenty-year-old Celyn Emanuel, who is also studying at
Cardiff Metropolitan University, is very fortunate to have her mother out in
South Africa supporting team every step of the way.
Lowri Jenkins, 19 from Pontypridd, has also appeared in
Wales’ starting line-up. Lowri is
studying physiotherapy at the University of the West of England.
Emma Roberts was brought on during Saturday’s test match as
Wing Attack. Eighteen-year-old Emma, from Cardiff, has two Wales U17 caps to
her name.
Anna, 17, plays in Defence position for CTK club in Cardiff. Anna completed her AS level studies at
Cathedral Road School, Cardiff, before the South Africa tour.
Carys Allen also made her U21 debut at the South African
Spar Challenge. Carys, from Penarth, is
studying her A-Levels at St David’s Catholic College. Carys is following in her mother’s
foot-steps, as Jan Allen also played South Africa as a Welsh international
netball player.
Despite Wales Under 21 have being defeated by the Baby
Porteas in all three matches, Head Coach Louisa Daniell says the experience is
invaluable for the young players.
“The
experience has been amazing,” says Daniell. “It’s a chance to come to
South Africa to play netball on a difference continent.
“I
can see how these young girls are growing because of this experience.”
