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Nia Jones Insists Wales Have Raised Belief Despite Series Loss In Decider

Nia Jones Insists Wales Have Raised Belief Despite Series Loss In Decider

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Nia Jones has admitted Wales have let an opportunity slip through their fingers after they lost the decider in their three-match series against Uganda. The Welsh Feathers captain insisted, however, the closeness of the series indicated the progress Wales are making under Emily Handyside, the coach appointed a year ago. Feathers lost 59-48 as the She Cranes came from one-nil down to take the three-match series at Cardiff’s House of Sport, 2-1.

By Hannah Blackwell

Nia Jones has admitted Wales have let an opportunity slip through their fingers after they lost the decider in their three-match series against Uganda.

The Welsh Feathers captain insisted, however, the closeness of the series indicated the progress Wales are making under Emily Handyside, the coach appointed a year ago.

Feathers lost 59-48 as the She Cranes came from one-nil down to take the three-match series at Cardiff’s House of Sport, 2-1.

“I felt we let it slip in critical moments,” conceded Jones.

“There’s certain moments where you need to score off your possession and when you don’t it lets them off the hook.

“It could have stayed even closer towards the end and we could have built off that momentum we worked really hard to get going into half time.

Uganda win the Test series

Welsh Feathers 48-59 Uganda #BBCNetball pic.twitter.com/QxL5lbhmoD

— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) January 13, 2024

“The break probably came at the wrong time for us and Uganda were grateful for it, but we’ll learn from those moments and one thing we’ve got from this series is belief that when we’re in the moment we can take them.”

The hosts won the opening match 57-45, but were beaten 64-40 on Friday.

Uganda were 17-12 ahead at the end of the first quarter in Saturday’s decider.

Feathers led early in the third quarter, but Uganda recovered to lead 44-38 going into the final period and went on to seal the success.

Ellen Morgan is our sixth and final Welsh Feather to debut in this series

Ellen becomes Welsh Feather #227 pic.twitter.com/rxWcSe9z8i

— Wales Netball | Pêl-Rwyd Cymru (@WalesNetball_) January 13, 2024

Uganda – who finished fifth in the recent World Cup – are preparing to face Australia, England and New Zealand in the upcoming Nations Cup.

Wales’ players will now focus on the forthcoming Super League season and domestic tournament, before a likely return to international action in the autumn, in a tournament yet to be confirmed.