In a highly anticipated warm-up match before the forthcoming Netball World Cup, the Scottish Thistles clashed with Wales in a gripping encounter that demonstrated their determination and growth as they prepare for the prestigious tournament in South Africa.
With their sights set on performance rather than winning, the Scottish Thistles approached this warm-up match with a clear goal in mind, as head coach Tamsin Greenway explained. “The goal is always to perform, it’s never about winning at this stage. I mean, the win is nice, but we are trying combinations, and as long as we are performing on the things we are working on, then I’ll be happy.”
The history between the Scottish Thistles and Wales added an extra layer of significance to this encounter. Despite showcasing undeniable talent in previous encounters such as the Commonwealth Games and World Cup qualifiers, the Scottish squad had yet to secure victories against Wales. This match presented an opportunity for them to make a statement.
From the opening whistle, the game unfolded as a display of skill, determination, and resilience from both teams. The scoreboard remained close as both sides exchanged goals and exhibited impressive defensive prowess. The intensity on the court was palpable as the players left no stone unturned in their quest for victory in this warm-up clash.
In the end, Wales emerged victorious with a 56-52 scoreline over the Scottish Thistles. Despite the loss, head coach Tamsin Greenway reflected on the match, emphasising the importance of this particular training camp. “Camp 4 was a really important one for us to measure ourselves against a different opposition. Although I was disappointed with the loss, we had 11 players on court and got to try out some styles of play we’d been working on. Wales challenged us in so many ways and has really helped us with our preparation a few weeks out from the Netball World Cup. We have one more camp to go!”
09.07.23 – Welsh Feathers v Scottish Thistles, Netball World Cup Warm-up Match –
09.07.23 – Welsh Feathers v Scottish Thistles, Netball World Cup Warm-up Match –
Several standout performances caught the eye of the head coach. Emma Love and Emma Barrie, who entered the match and made significant contributions, showcased their skill and impact on the game. Additionally, Iona, who handled the physicality she faced admirably, and Cerys Finn, returning to the court after an ankle injury, were noted for their contributions to the team’s performance.
With another camp on the horizon, the Scottish Thistles are focused on their continued preparations before flying out to Cape Town at the end of the month. Follow their journey on social media to show your support for Scotland as they gear up for the highly anticipated Netball World Cup.
