In an edge-of-your-seat National League final, Edinburgh Uni narrowly defeated Strathclyde Uni 45-44, securing their championship in a nail-biting showdown that had fans gripping their seats until the final whistle.

Intense Defence and Missed Opportunities

The game kicked off with high intensity, with both teams demonstrating why they were this year’s finalists. Claire Maxwell, Assistant Coach for Edinburgh Uni, noted at halftime the team’s defensive prowess, “We won lots of ball… it’s now about converting those turnovers. We’ve thrown a few of them away, so reducing our errors in that final feed is crucial.”

© Craig Watson

Strathclyde’s Captain, Lucy Holmes, reflected on their early momentum, “We wanted to play with intensity and consistency… we have to lift a little bit, be composed with the ball and with those momentum shifts.”

 © Craig Watson

A Nail-Biter Finish

As the match progressed, the intensity only heightened, with both team’s neck-and-neck. Trish Wilcox, Head Coach of Edinburgh Uni, described the final minutes, “I held my breath for the last three minutes.”

“It was such an intense game, those are the games you want to play in, so I am so proud. Going undefeated for their entire season is such hard work and it just shows the commitment that they have.” She added.

© Craig Watson

Wilcox also praised the influence of Claire Maxwell, highlighting the strategic changes, ” “She has been so great at sharing her knowledge with our young players and I thought both of them – Jess Mitchell and Duki Sonuga– were able to change the momentum of the game.”

A Proud Yet Heartfelt Loss

On the other side, Frankie Doyle, Strathclyde’s Head Coach, acknowledged the vital role of the crowd, “The crowd were everything today; they became an extra player on the court.” Despite the loss, Doyle expressed immense pride in his team’s journey, “It’s disappointing to lose today but I couldn’t be prouder of how they performed.”

 © Craig Watson

Celebration and Looking Ahead

The emotional and physical toll of such a tightly contested match was evident, and the pride in both teams’ efforts was clear. Claire Maxwell summed up the experience, “The game was physical, dynamic, fast-paced and those games are a credit to our sport. Thank you to the crowd for coming out and supporting our own league – the National League.”

© Craig Watson

As Edinburgh Uni celebrates this significant win, they look forward to carrying this momentum into the Scottish Cup Final on Saturday, buoyed by a season of undefeated play and a deep commitment to the sport.

Fans who missed the live action can relive this spectacular match on BBC iPlayer. With such a close score and high stakes, this final is one for the history books of Scottish netball.

We are rounding up the thrilling highlights from Netball Scotland’s National League season opener

The buzz of excitement echoed through Emirates Arena in Glasgow yesterday, 22nd October, as Scotland’s premier netball league, the National League, commenced its fresh season.
As the top netball league in Scotland, its significance in growing the sport was evident from the performances on court and the passion off it.

As teams took to the court to set the tone for what promises to be a riveting contest the importance of this league in the elevation of netball in Scotland resonated with every pass, goal, and interception on the court.

Match Results:

Dunedin 35 – 43 Bellahouston

Edinburgh Accies 56 – 53 Saltires

Glasgow Uni 24 – 52 Edinburgh Uni

A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent

The league showcases a diverse talent pool, from seasoned national players to the rising stars of tomorrow. With seven performance teams participating, the breadth of talent is vast. Notables like Emily Nicholl and Claire Maxwell, established figures in the national scene, share the court with up-and-coming talents like Jazmine Moore, from the U21 Scotland squad. This mix promises electric matches as seasoned professionals rub shoulders with university and club players eager to make their mark, gaining invaluable exposure in the process.

As emphasised by coaches and players alike, this league remains paramount in the growth and recognition of netball in Scotland.

Close Calls and Newfound Strengths

Saltires, bolstered by their performance, reduced the margin of their last meeting’s 13-goal loss against Edinburgh Accies to just three. Lucy Gaw, a U21 Scotland star and pivotal player for Saltires, reflected on their improved performance: “We just stuck our structures, played our own game and it was a really good physical game today.

I think a performance like that is great for us as a team heading into the National League this season; We have improved so much since last season; our last meeting was a 13-goal loss to Accies and this was just 3 today.”

Saltires Cat MacDonald moving the ball through the mid-court

Jo Pettitt of Edinburgh Accies resonated with the intensity of the competition: “It was a very close game from start to finish… I don’t think you can be surprised in the National League with teams putting up that number of goals; we knew they’ve had very strong shooters.”

Edinburgh Accies tip the game in their favour.

Rising to the Occasion

The sentiment of competition and growth was echoed by Edinburgh University’s Head Coach, Trish Wilcox, who stated, “Our goal this season is to be competitive against every team, this is the top competition in Scotland with the best players in the best clubs.” It’s evident that every match in this league is not just about the final whistle but about growth, exposure, and development.

Kelly Boyle, the Head Coach of Glasgow University, who recently transitioned into the role, commended her team’s resilience and adaptability: “Playing at this level in Scotland is what we want and it is what we need to develop so I am proud and we stood up to the challenge today.”

Looking Ahead

With the first round serving as an appetiser of the exciting clashes that await, teams, players, and fans are geared up for a season that promises unmatched intensity and skill. As each team progresses, it’s not just about the trophies but about laying the foundation for elite netball in Scotland.

Tickets for National League are coming soon. Be sure to follow us on socials so you don’t miss out!

Today Claire Maxwell announced her retirement from netball.

In the world of netball, one name shines brightly above all others when it comes to the Scottish Thistles – Claire Maxwell. Her remarkable journey from a young girl with a dream to the most capped player and captain of the national team is an inspiring tale of dedication, passion, and unwavering support from her loved ones.

Claire’s netball journey began in the most humble of settings – her primary school in Aberdeen. It was there that she first picked up a netball under the watchful eye of a special coach – her own mother. Little did they know that this would be the first step on a journey that would see Claire represent her country on the international stage.

As her talent blossomed, so did her commitment to the sport. Traveling from Aberdeen to Glasgow for training camps showcased her determination to improve and reach the highest level of the game. This dedication did not go unnoticed, and in 2009, Claire earned her first cap for the Scottish Thistles, a defining moment in her netball career. Her debut match against Wales marked the beginning of an incredible 14-year journey with the national team and an incredible 128 caps.

Reflecting on her illustrious career, Claire shared her thoughts after her final match against Wales, where she captained her squad to their highest final ranking at a netball World Cup since 1991. She said, “My time in a Thistle dress after an amazing 14 years has come to an end. As a young girl, playing for Scotland was a dream of mine. To become the most capped player and captain of our National Team is something I could never have imagined, and to have shared a small part of my time in the dress with my daughter has been an honour.”

It is evident that Claire’s family played a crucial role in supporting her throughout her career. She acknowledged the unwavering support from her husband and family, who allowed her to pursue her dreams and achieve greatness on the netball court. Her success is a testament to the importance of a strong support system in achieving one’s goals.

Throughout her journey, Claire formed strong bonds with her teammates, coaches, and the passionate Thistle Army – the dedicated fans who rallied behind the team. Addressing all those who contributed to her success, she expressed her gratitude, saying, “To all my current and ex-teammates, the Thistle Army, coaches, support staff, you have all shaped me into becoming the person I am off and on the court. I’m truly grateful for everyone who has supported me, and I can’t wait to be the next generation of Thistles players’ biggest supporter!”

03/08/22 NEC Arena – Birmingham
Commonwealth Games
Scotland v Barbados
© Craig Watson

Her impact on the sport extended beyond the court, as she embraced leadership roles and served as an inspiration to aspiring netball players across Scotland. Her dedication to the game and the values she embodies have left their mark on the sport’s landscape.

In recognition of her incredible contributions, Tamsin Greenway, head coach of Scottish Thistles shared her thoughts, saying, “Claire has been the ultimate Thistles on and off the court. Her commitment to the team and the sport is unmatched, and she has been an inspiration to everyone around her. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of Thistles players to come.”

Lesley MacDonald echoed those sentiments as both a team mate and most recently her Head Coach at Strathclyde Sirens; “When I first saw ‘Brownie’ at a national summer camp when she 14-15 years old, we knew she would play for Scotland one day but wow what a career. I have had the privilege to play against, be her teammate and coach brownie over her career and what a phenomenal player and individual.
I’m delighted that she has finished leading the thistles to one of their best ever finish at a World Cup, finishing at the top of her game.
A true legend of our sport who inspires and will continue to inspire young netballers to be the next “Claire Maxwell”
Thank you ‘Brownie’.”

The Chair of Netball Scotland Board also had words of praise for Claire, stating, ” Claire has been an outstanding player and leader for the Scottish Thistles. She is known for her resilience and determination on court and her motivation and commitment off court. Claire is a role model to so many people in netball in Scotland and we would like to thank her for all the amazing moments she has given us in the record 128 games representing the Scottish Thistles. A legend.”

As Claire Maxwell closes this chapter of her netball career, she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and shape the sport in Scotland for years to come. Her journey from being coached by her mum in primary school to becoming the most capped player for the Scottish Thistles is a remarkable tale of passion, perseverance, and the power of dreams. We celebrate Claire’s achievements and eagerly anticipate her future endeavours as she takes on the role of the next generation’s biggest Thistles supporter!

MATCH REPORT: Malawi v Scotland

Day one of the 2023 Netball World Cup saw Scotland take on Malawi in Cape Town.  It was the first time these two sides have met in the history of the sport’s showpiece tournament.

The Scottish Thistles started the match with “intent” according to Head Coach, Tamsin Greenway;

“They started the match exceptionally well, it was kind of a textbook start. We knew if we went early at Malawi they wouldn’t be expecting it and I think that played out with the score line. We turned over a good amount of ball and we punished them for it. I thought we were really sharp in attack, I couldn’t be prouder of how we started the game, they really went with the intent that I wanted them to show.”

Malawi struggled to retain possession, with only 37 per cent of the ball in their hands. Scotland held a comfortable 17-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and it looked like an upset was on the cards.

A physical battle on court meant the young Scottish side had to stick to task and tactics. They held a convincing lead for the first half;

“I thought Rachel Conway did such a great job. She won us enough ball in that first half to really stamp our authority and that’s where we got that lead. Attacking wise, I though Hannah Leighton did an exception job on Lwazi and her work rate. Claire Maxwell had a real captain’s performance.”

The turn came in the final quarter where Malawi changed their line up and clawed back at the score line. The physical battle resulted in a two-minute suspension for wing-defence of the Malawi Queens but the experience of the African side was enough to push them over the line.

Q1 17- 9

Q2 29-22

Q3 41-35

Final Score 55-49

Speaking after the match, Head Coach Tamsin Greenway commented on her young squad, seven of which have never played in a World Cup before.

“The reality is this is a really young group, we had two kids out there in goal-keeper (Rachel Conway and Cerys Finn) against Mvula and Kumwenda and the reality is you can only do so much, tactically I thought we were great. We had patches in each quarter where we went 3 or 4 goals unanswered that killed our momentum and that is something you have to learn out there, it’s personal accountability, it’s riding hits and its game sense, those are all the things that you get from years of playing. It will come.”

Stepping on to court in their first World Cup match tonight, Rachel Conway, Hannah Leighton, Iona Christian, Emma Love and Cerys Finn showed real passion and intent.

“I am gutted for them, and they’re gutted. We said that we were going to go hard at this game and the risk was always going to be worse than the reward. If we had won this game today they would be riding the wave but we’ve got to pick ourselves back up and play Barbados tomorrow and that is a must-win game.”

“They will learn so much from this game, the rubbish part of it is they have to have these experiences to learn and that I’m afraid takes time and it’s something you have to do to ride the wave of international netball. They’ve got tonight to be upset about it and then they come tomorrow nice and fresh ready for Barbados.”

Captain Claire Maxwell, who made history tonight becoming Scotland’s most capped player added;

“We had an incredible start and maintained our lead for most of the match. We always knew Malawi would fight back and unfortunately for us we didn’t maintain our composure at key points.”

Scottish Thistles play again tomorrow in Pool B at 3pm (UK time)

Scottish Thistles Unveil Stunning New World Cup Dress, Embodying Strength, and Celtic Traditions

The Scottish Thistles, Scotland’s national Netball team, have unveiled a breath-taking new World Cup dress that pays homage to the country’s rich history, symbolising strength and embracing ancient Celtic traditions. The dress, inspired by the team’s name, beautifully incorporates the iconic thistle, a powerful symbol of Scotland, along with the ethereal beauty of Scottish marble.

The Scottish Thistles’ new World Cup dress proudly displays the thistle, an enduring emblem of Scotland, with deep roots in the nation’s folklore and mythology. Legend has it that during an ancient battle, an enemy soldier stepped on a thistle, alerting the Scottish warriors, and saving them from an ambush. Since then, the thistle has been a cherished symbol of vigilance, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Scotland.

In a nod to Scotland’s ancient Celtic traditions, the dress also incorporates the mesmerising beauty of Scottish marble. Renowned for its exquisite patterns and swirls, Scottish marble has been treasured for centuries as a symbol of luck and prosperity. By intertwining this ancient material with the thistle design, the Scottish Thistles’ dress pays homage to the Celtic roots that run deep in the heart of Scotland.

Captain Claire Maxwell shared her excitement, stating, “When you actually get to wear the Scottish Thistles dress it’s one of the proudest moments of your life. Not many people get this opportunity, it’s one we don’t take lightly and it’s a huge honour. We cannot wait to step onto court in the Thistles dress and represent Scotland.”

Fans eagerly await the moment when the Scottish Thistles don their new dress for their upcoming World Cup campaign, poised to showcase the strength and rich traditions of Scotland to the world. Nike replica range is on sale from our official retail partner Netball UK now.

Scottish Thistles Head Coach Tamsin Greenway has named the squad that will be flying out to compete in the Vitality Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.

Taking place from 28 July to 6 August, the 16^th edition of the World Cup will take place in Africa for the first time.

The 12-player squad features a mixture of experience and youth, with 320 caps shared amongst the group.

Captain Claire Maxwell has been named in her third World Cup squad and is set to become Scotland’s most capped player when she takes to court in Cape Town.

“I am really excited to participate in my third World Cup. I’ve learnt a lot from my previous experiences in major competition and know we need to push ourselves in every aspect over the next 6 weeks to ensure we are ready to perform when it matters.”

“I have changed a lot as a player, teammate and person since my first World Cup and I’m ready to embrace the challenge and use all my previous learnings to get the best out of myself and the team in South Africa.”

For seven players – Cerys Cairns, Iona Christian, Rachel Conway, Cerys Finn, Hannah Grant, Hannah Leighton and Emma Love – this will be their first World Cup.

Tamsin Greenway, Scottish Thistles Head Coach, commented:

“The biggest part of selecting the 12 is looking at the whole picture, who fits in tactically, who covers who, what are the what if’s, what do they bring to the culture? It’s so much more than just who plays netball well, the reality is this was the most competitive selection we’ve had since I’ve been in post which means behind the scenes the work we are doing is paying off.”

“It’s an exciting squad, it’s a group of players that fit the style we want to play both in attack and defence. Its relatively young, but it’s a talented group that are always wanting to learn and achieve more.

The Scottish Thistles, led by Tamsin Greenway and Sara Francis-Bayman, will begin their World Cup campaign against Malawi Queens on Friday 28 July (20:00 local time, Cape Town).

“Feels like a long time coming! So much has happened so far this season, so it feels good to finally have the squad in place so we can begin working on our plans for the summer.”

The second clash in Pool B, will see Scottish Thistles face the Caribbean style and flair of Barbados (16:00), who they beat 72-28 at last years Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, before a Home Nations clash with the Vitality Roses on Sunday 30 July (16:00).

“The tournament is tough, it’s long and tactically and varied, all I want from the squad is no regrets this time around. We learnt a lot about ourselves at CWG, in particular what unsettles us. If we can improve in key areas, then I’ll be happy.”

The Scottish Thistles’ next fixtures in the competition will be determined by their results in the opening stage with a full guide to how the competition works outlined below.

Their next fixtures in the competition will be determined by their results in the opening stage. The Final will take place on Sunday 6 August. A full guide to how the competition works can be viewed here.