Wales Ready For Samoan Netball Test In Cardiff

Wales are excited by the prospect of playing Samoa in two netball Test matches this week.

Fern Davies, from Holywell in North Wales, says: “I’ve never played against Samoa and I’m excited about playing in these fixtures.”

Captain Suzy Drane will lead her team against the Samoans at the Sport Wales National Centre this evening (Tuesday) and Thursday (December 7, both 7.30pm).

“Suzy is the ultimate role model for netball, across the World never mind Wales,” says Davies. “She is an amazing ambassador for our sport and it’s a privilege to have her as Wales captain”

The matches are part of Netball Samoa’s UK tour.

They have played Scottish Thistles, who won 56-39 and 63-36.

This will be the first time Wales have played Samoa, ranked 14 in the World, in a Test series on a Welsh court.

These matches are preparation with Wales looking towards the World Cup qualifiers in January and then the Commonwealth Games on Australia’s Gold Coast during April.

Wales squad: Suzy Drane (captain), Fern Davies, Bethan Dyke, Kyra Jones, Nia Jones, Sarah Llewelyn, Cara Lea Moseley, Eleanor Roberts, Georgia Rowe, Christina Shaw, Leila Thomas, Amanda Varey.

Samoa have arrived in the UK where they will begin the first half of their tour against Scotland this weekend. They will then be heading to Wales, battle-hardened for what promises to be two mammoth clashes ahead of January’s World Cup qualifiers.

Samoa squad: Nicolette Tato (captain), Sanonu Robertson (vice-captain), Giorja Fatu, Liana Hogarth, Seiafi Lafaiali’i-Sapolu, Ariana Luamanu, Sisavaii Muliaga, Terrelle Onesemo, Soli Ropati, Tahnyshavaughn Salona, Sanita To’o, Betty Tuipulotu

Tickets are still available, though proving popular, for the Wendy White Series.

Go to www.ticketline.co.uk/welsh-netball to purchase. It will be the last chance to see the Welsh team in home action before the squad jets off to Australia for the Commonwealth Games in April.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £6 for concessions. Welsh Netball are able to offer group discounts for affiliated clubs in groups of over 10 at £8 per adult and £5 per concession.