Goal-Attack ‘Kali’ Shines For Celtic Dragons In Superleague Defeat

Celtic Dragons were left frustrated by their Vitality Superleague netball defeat against Team Bath in their opening match of the season, but believe they are on the verge of having a successful season.

Captain Suzy Drane said: “That wasn’t the result we wanted and the second quarter was our difficulty.

“We have time to reflect and fix things before game two.

“But we all have to thank our Green Army fans, who were absolutely amazing.”

Dragons led 11-10 after the first quarter against Team Bath with goal-attack Kalifa McCollin outstanding on her Superleague debut.

Trinidad and Tobago international McCollin has joined Dragons this season and the early signs certainly suggest that she is going to have a big impact.

By halt-time, though, Team Bath had pulled away to lead 26-17, winning that quarter 16-6 at the Sport Wales Arena in Cardiff.

That made the difference to the overall result. Dragons took the third 13-12, while the home team were edged out 11-13 in the fourth.

There were plenty of encouraging signs for Dragons despite the defeat and they travel to play Sirens this Saturday with plenty of confidence (1pm).

Celtic Dragons starting seven: GK Kelly Morgan, GD Lois Rideout, WD Suzy Drane (capt), C Kyra Jones, WA Bethan Dyke, GA Kalifa McCollin, GS Eleanor Roberts.

Quarter scores (Dragons first): 11-10; 6-16 (17-16); 13-12 (30-38); 11-13 (41-51).

Other Vitality Superleague results from the first weekend of their season were: Hertfordshire Mavericks 53, Team Northumbria 48; Loughborough Lightning 59, Manchester Thunder 45; Surrey Storm 58, Severn Stars 40.

Midweek fixture: Tuesday, February 21 – Sirens v Wasps.