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

    Posted by:

    Wales Netball

  • Posted on:

    October 16, 2017

Wales reflects on Netball Europe Open Championships 2017

After what was an outstanding four days of competitive netball in Cardiff, Welsh Netball would firstly like to thank the incredible team of volunteers that helped to make the Netball Europe Open Championship possible. We are grateful to all of the players, coaches, physios, managers, umpires, officials ball girls and boys and, of course, fans, who all contributed to what was a fantastic showcase for our sport. We would also like to thank Mark Perkins who did a fabulous job as our announcer!

We would particularly like to thank the staff of Sport Wales who helped us to stage the event. We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Paul Garrett on Friday afternoon. Paul had worked for Sport Wales for 30 years and was a friend and colleague to those who work for Welsh Netball. Sport Wales staff continued to perform their duties in helping Welsh Netball stage the competition and are extremely grateful for their support in what were very challenging circumstances.

This year, the Netball Europe title was retained by England as they went unbeaten throughout the four days of competition. After overcoming Wales, both Scotland and Northern Ireland were left to fight it out for the silver medal on the final day of competition. Northern Ireland prevailed in a very tight encounter and there was further joy for the players in green as goal-shooter Lisa Bowman was awarded the Player of the Tournament prize.

It was wonderful to welcome Fiji to Wales for the very first time and we hope that they and their passionate fans enjoyed their time in Cardiff. It was also great to witness Leila Thomas and Christina Shaw being awarded their very first senior caps for Wales! 

Ultimately, it was a disappointing tournament for Wales. Despite a comprehensive victory over Fiji, Wales were beaten in a closely contested game against Scotland and narrowly lost out to Northern Ireland. Given just how close the match between the Thistles and NI was, Wales may look back with regret on some missed opportunities.

Welsh coach, Trish Wilcox made an honest assessment of the Welsh performance at the tournament. She said: “We are disappointed with our final placing at Netball Europe. We had our opportunities in both the Northern Ireland and Scotland game however errors at critical moments let us down.” 

However, she was pleased that the team had taken opportunities to introduce new players: “Positives were the amount of exposure we gave to our young under 21 players coming through who would have grown so much from the experience to take forwards into the Netball World Cup Qualifying campaign.  Our focus is now solidifying our combinations and connections so that our links are tight by January. ”

Her thoughts were echoed by wing-defence, Nia Jones who is looking forward to the future with the squad. She said: “I have absolutely belief that this squad of players is a work in progress. The exposure this week has been invaluable, and we will be better and wiser come the big one in January [World Cup qualifiers].”

She also thanked the fans and volunteers for their “passionate support” during the tournament. 

 

Group natural
(L-R) Kyra Jones, Chelsea Lewis, Cara Lea Moseley & Leila Thomas prior to Wales v England (C) Ian Lovell
Captain Suzy Drane meets some fans! (C) Ian Lovell
Captain Suzy Drane meets some fans! (C) Ian Lovell
Ian Lovell (C)
Christina Shaw and Leila Thomas are awarded their first senior caps for Wales. Left, Sarah Jones CEO of Welsh Netball, right, Merle Hamilton, President of Welsh Netball. (C) Ian Lovell

 

Wales U21 Netball World Youth Cup Long Squad

We are pleased to announce the selection of our Wales U21 Long Squad for the Netball World Youth Cup (NWYC) which will take place in Gibraltar in September 2025. The Wales U21 Long Squad will be led by Head Coach Sarah Lewis, supported by Assistant Coach Jen Barrett, with Team Manager Cerys Rees and Physiotherapist […]

Leadership Update – Sara Moore Steps Down as Head of Performance at Wales Netball

After five years of dedicated leadership and outstanding achievements, Sara Moore has officially stepped down from her role as Head of Performance at Wales Netball and Cardiff Dragons. Sara has overseen the organisation’s elite performance pathway through a transformative period. Under her leadership, the Welsh Feathers reached a historic high of 6th in the World […]

June Volunteer of the Month

In the heart of Bridgend’s netball community, one name emerges as a beacon of dedication, passion and unwavering commitment: Emma Bacon. Emma is far more than the Club Chair of Bridgend Jets, but also the pulse of the club, the driving force behind its growth and an advocate for women in sport, making her our […]

June Organisation of the Month

CTK Netball Club has been a hub for young girls in the central Cardiff area for many years. As the club approaches their 20th anniversary at the end of June, we thought it was the ideal time to celebrate all the club has accomplished by awarding them our Organisation of the Month.   CTK Netball Club […]

Netball For Good – Community Story

On Sunday 6th April 2025, the Llanelli Netball League hosted the Peony Mixed Netball Tournament in association with Gomer Williams Solicitors and Coleg Sir Gar, and all proceeds raised were donated to the Chemotherapy Unit – Prince Philip Hospital. This was hosted in support of one of the leagues own Umpires, Heidi Charles (lead organiser […]

May Organisation of the Month

Established in 2012, Llandudno Netball Club has been developing women and girls’ confidence and love for netball for over 13 years. As an integral part of their local community, their growth continues to rise with more players joining every year. Due to their dedication to local netball provision, they are our Organisation of the Month […]
Scroll to Top