Celtic Dragons End Three Year Drought Against Glasgow Wildcats

04 February 2010

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In the week the Six Nations kicks off the Co-operative Netball Superleague saw its own international head to head as the Celtic Dragons (Wales) beat the Glasgow Wildcats (Scotland) for the first time in three years, and it was caught on camera for the TV game of the week.

A little nervous in front of the lens perhaps both sides were a little slow to get going but the Dragons stepped up the pace in the first quarter. The welsh side made the most of the fast ball especially around the shooting circle to play their way into a three goal lead.

In the second quarter Wildcats were left standing as the home side changed gear.  It was another impressive outing for Dragons shooter Emma Thomas who missed just one shot in 21 attempts during the game, the 18 year old is making sure her name is the first on the team sheet with consumate performances.

Acting coach Sara Hale was delighted with the performance: "There’s a lot of history between these sides and we wanted to come out and commit and push for a win."

Wildcats made changes for the start of the second half, Karin Connell came on at wing-attack as Gail Higgins moved to goal-attack and Lesley McDonald put on the goal-shooter bib. 

This formation proved more lucrative for the Scots who won the quarter 11-7. It could have been more but for a blood substitution that saw Nichola James take to the court. 

Glasgow had started a goal-scoring run that rattled the Dragons, but then an interception of a centre pass by James turned the tide and halted the slide.

In the past the Dragons have been intimidated by the opposition but this young line-up are fearless and in the final quarter they held firm and came away with victory and 2 points in the league.

Sara Hale, who is itching to get back on court by handing over her coaching duties to Melissa Walker said that her players are rarely overawed by their opposition. "We have young players and not many have played in superleague before, they are still learning how to perform consistently."

"We made progress by coming close against Leeds and let it slip. They didn’t want to do that again and had belief the could win."

Glasgow Wildcats coach Denise Holland was philisophical about the game: "It was a hard fought quality match with both sides eager for points.  We'll learn and move on."

Quarter Scores
Q1: 12-9
Q2: 26-16
Q3: 33-27
Q4: 47-38 = Result

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