Wales Take On Biggest And Final Challenge In World Cup

Wales are ready for their biggest and final challenge at the Netball World Youth Cup in Botswana.

Head coach Natalie Peperell and her under-21 team take on Trinidad & Tobago in a play-off clash – and the Caribbean team have already beaten the Welsh during this tournament.

Wales were edged out 36-32 in a tight match and they are in the mood to turn that score around.

Peperell talked of how proud she was after the 47-44 Welsh win against Barbados on Friday and said: “The girls knew how important this game was for us and I’m proud that they gave it absolutely everything.

“It was not an easy game and that final quarter was tough, but our athletes kept their cool and fought well to take a close win.

“We have played against Trinidad and Tobago already in this competition. We’re familiar with their style of play and feel confident about playing them again.

“No doubt it will be another exciting game and we’ll bring Welsh class to the court once more.”

Wales play their final match of the tournament and the winners will finish 13th out of 20 teams, one ahead of the losers (game starts 1pm UK time).

Saturday’s clash with T&T will be available to watch live at Welsh Netball’s Facebook and Twitter (@welshnetball).

Wales fought out a thrilling match against Barbados. Both teams fought hard to gain an advantage with the lead changing time and again.

Wales were ahead by two goals after the first quarter, while Barbados equalised early in the second.  It was a game of ‘tug of war’ throughout the rest of the match as both sides gained momentum only to be interrupted by the opposition.

In the final quarter, Wales charged ahead with a 30-24 lead, but Barbados refused to take the hit and levelled the score at 30-30 with some quick goals.

Barbados found their confidence and led in the final quarter, but Wales would not relent and recovered again to move 45-41 ahead.

Wales held their composure and battled hard to steal the lead and emerged 47-44 winners.

Starting seven v Barbados: Georgia Jenkins (GS), Sarah Llewelyn (GA), Bethan Johnson (WA), Chloe Dyke ( C), Megan Powell (WD), Leila Thomas (GD), Miquie Walker-Jones (GK).

Wales U21 squad: Chloe James (capt), Rebecca Baker, Fern Davies, Isabelle Dunsford, Chloe Dyke, Celyn Emanuel, Georgia Jenkins, Bethan Johnson, Sarah Llewelyn, Megan Powell, Leila Thomas, Miquie Walker-Jones.

Wales under-21 management: Head Coach, Natalie Peperell; Assistant Coach, Jamilla Abbott; Team Manager, Lavinia Baker.

Wales results at NWYC: England 69, Wales 23; Wales 35, Fiji 48; Grenada 72, Wales 30; Wales 32, Trinidad & Tobago 36; Botswana 51, Wales 39; Wales 47, Barbados 44.

Fixture on day eight of World Cup on Saturday: Wales v Trinidad & Tobago (1pm UK time).