Welsh Feathers flying high at the Celtic Cup with third straight success.
9th November 2024
The Welsh Feathers have booked their ticket to the final of the Celtic Cup with a tough 50-46 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems at Emirates Arena in Glasgow. Wales will play for the title in Sunday’s final after their third straight victory.
The combatants have become well versed with each other’s style of play, meeting for the third time in 8 days. The Feathers won both matches last weekend in Cardiff and the pace was frenetic right from the opening centre pass. The Gems early pressure forced turnovers from the Welsh and they took advantage on the scoreboard going ahead 12-9 on the verge of quarter time. Nicole Muzanenamo at WA and more flawless shooting from Thandazile Ndlovu were instrumental in the Gems taking a hard earned 13-11 lead at the break.
The Feathers have been the standard of the competition however and responded immediately after the resumption with WA and Captain Bethan Dyke controlling the attacking transverse line. Along with standout C Ellen Morgan they forged a lead for the Feathers in the shadows of half time. Zimbabwe showed great resilience to go back in front by 1 before a goal for GA Phillipa Yarranton drew the Welsh level at the long break. 14 goals to 12 for the quarter to the Feathers and a great second half all set up.
The opening passages of the third quarter played out in similar style to the first half; neither team able to take control as both teams refused to concede ground. The scoreboard showed one of three things: Wales led by one, Zimbabwe led by one or scores were level. The Feathers opted to move Lucy Howells out to WD, and Alex Johnson returned to court at GD hoping to shift momentum. Zoe Matthewman entered at GA and Celyn Emanuel at C in further changes. The back-and-forth tussle ended with Wales leading 36-35 after taking the tense quarter 11-10.
The fourth quarter began, and the frenetic pace continued. Each team trading goals, one after the other. 14 consecutive centre passes were converted until the Feathers bucked the trend and recorded four straight goals to regain control, 46-42. The Gems weren’t done and GS Ndlovu drew them within two again with another conversion. Time became a factor for the Gems and the steady shot of Georgia Rowe stood up at the end, with the Feathers nailing 4 of the last 6 goals to secure the victory. GK Leah Middleton claiming player of the match honours after an intense battle in the goal circle with Gems GS Ndlovu.
The final day of action will see Wales battle from 2.00pm to be crowned the first ever Celtic Cup Champion.
All matches can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.
Wales: Georgia Rowe (GS), Phillipa Yarranton (GA), Bethan Dyke (WA – Captain), Ellen Morgan (C), Vicky Booth (WD), Alex Johnson (GD), Leah Middleton (GK). Celyn Emmanuel, Nansi Kuti, Zoe Matthewman, Poppy Tydeman, Lucy Howells.
Zimbabwe: Thandazile Ndlovu (GS), Chipo Shoko (GA), Nicole Muzanenamo (WA), Nobukhosi Ndlovu (C), Zimusi Takadanaighe (WD), Upenyu Myambo (GD), Elizabeth Mushore (GK), Sharon Bwanali, Tafadzwa Mawango, Ursula Ndlovu, Anifa Luya, Felistus Kwangwa.
Shooting statistics:
Wales
Georgia Rowe 37/39
Phillipa Yarranton 9/15
Zoe Matthewson 4/5
Zimbabwe
Thandazile Ndlovu 34/35
Ursula Ndlovu 2/3
Chipo Shoko 10/15
