Wales Narrowly Lose Opening Game

Today was a momentous occasion for the Welsh players not only being involved in the Opening Ceremony of the World Youth Netball Championships, but Wales was involved in the first game against the home country, Cook Islands. The team entered the Arena to a rapturous welcome from both Welsh supporters, local people and the school that had adopted us as a country. This cumulated in speeches by both Molly Rhone IFNA President and the Cook Islands Youth Sport Minister who spoke and declared the games open. Unfortunately the Welsh team had to leave the Arena to prepare for the forthcoming match, thus missing out on the cultural element of the show.

Wales re-entered the Arena focused and with the Cooks winning the toss, opting for the first centre pass Wales endeavoured to break it down but unfortunately the Cooks went into a 3 nil lead. Soon the Welsh team settled and started to claw back the difference through some stout circle defending allowing them to gain possession with keeper, Rochelle Modeste taking numerous interceptions which were converted 100% by goal shooter Cath Roberts (8/8). Going into the end of the first quarter Wales was trailing 10 – 12.

Coach Tuckwell made a tactical switch by bringing on 16 year old Sioned Hiscocks at goal attack. This made a difference as Wales, for the first time, took the lead (15 – 14). However with the packed crowd cheering for their home side, Cooks came back fighting within the last few minutes of this quarter, to finish ahead of Wales, by 2 goals.

Following the 5 minute half-time, Wales came out too slowly with the Cooks seizing the initiative and scoring 4 quick goals which resulted in them taking a 6 goal lead. With some timely interceptions from Steph Williams and some strong team defence Wales gained possession but on occasion lapses in concentration failed to capitalise on this, resulting in the Cooks being 5 goals ahead (27 – 32) at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Coach Tuckwell brought on fresh legs, by introducing Emma Thomas (GA) and Lucy Main (WA). This had the desired effect as Wales started to claw the game back to within one goal. The partisan crowd started to get behind the Cooks again lifting their game which resulted in turn over after turn over by both sides. At this point the Welsh players started to stand up to the physicality of their opponents by utilizing their speed, agility and vision opening up some clear paths to goal. In the final few minutes the Cooks took the initiative and Wales lost concentration which resulted in the Cooks winning 43 – 37.

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Coach Tuckwell said “obviously we are highly disappointed with the result but the players showed passion and determination, with some outstanding court play. A number of players gained their 1st caps on this huge occasion and not only did themselves proud but Wales as well”.

Shooting Statistics
Cath Roberts – 27/33 = 82%
Nia Rawlins – 2/5 = 40%
Sioned Hiscocks – 4 / 8 = 50%
Emma Thomas – 3/3 = 100%

Team