My North Wales women’s dream team: Catrin Wyn Thomas

Catrin on the ball for Llandudno. Picture: Beverley Hemmings

Team 16 in the series of North Wales Women’s Dream XI’s is chosen by Catrin Wyn Thomas.

The sister of Caernarfon Town hero Darren, Catrin has played in the Welsh Premier League for Llandudno and scored in the 2015-16 Welsh Cup final.

She was primarily a left-back for Tudno, but played as a striker for Caernarfon, where she netted 38 goals in the Canaries 2016-17 North Wales League championship-winning season.

In choosing her Dream Team, Catrin follows previous ‘managers’ Fflur Williams, Chelsea Evans, Abby Williams, Gwenno Gibbard Bolton, Lexi Crawley, Claire Colville, Cerys Gadd, Libby McClelland, Meinir Thomas, Erica Jones, Rachel Roberts, Beca Williams, Mari Gibbard, Emily Jones and Cara Wyn Hughes.

GOALKEEPER

Elena Julio

Elena (second left – yellow) and Catrin Thomas in action for Caernarfon against Bethel. Pic: Dai Sinclair

One of the best goalkeepers in North Wales and she’s also a good outfield player.
I’ve known her for years; she’s a good team-mate. We won the league together at Caernarfon.

DEFENDERS

Erica Jones

Top defender, we played in the same team at Caernarfon.
Fit, strong and very hard to get past, she’s spent most of her career at Pwllheli and is highly respected in North Wales.

Kim Broadbent

Kim Broadbent (left) playing for Caernarfon against Bethel. Picture: Dai Sinclair

Class defender, she’s played at a high standard for years.
So calm on the ball, great at organising her defence.

Sioned Bohana

Sioned Bohana (yellow) is watched by Llandudno’s Mari Gibbard as a smiling referee Cheryl Foster looks on. Picture: Dai Sinclair

Another player I’ve known for many years, always gives 100%.
Solid as a rock in defence, great with her left foot. We won the league at Caernarfon together (2016-17).

MIDFIELDERS

Kelsey Davies

Kelsey Davies (furthest left – red) challenges for the ball against Aberystwyth. Picture: Chris Howells

Really quick down the wing, she played for Wales as a youngster and always did well for Llandudno in the Welsh Premier.
Plenty of goals and assists.

Ffion Owen

Ffion Owen (red) battles for possession. Picture: Dai Sinclair

She does everything as a midfielder.
Wins tackles, plays great passes, scores goals, some of them spectacular.
First on the team-sheet every week.

Stacey Tradewell

Flying Trade. Picture: Chris Hiwells

Played alongside Stacey at Llandudno and she’s always been dependable in the midfield.
Good passer, strong shot and puts in really hard tackles.

Anna Jones

Postgirl Power: Anna (yellow) dazzles against Aberystwyth. Picture: Beverley Hemmings

Committed from first whistle to last.
Played alongside her for Town when we won the North Wales League, she was awesome all season.
With Chester now, I hope to see her back in North Wales at some stage.

Katie Bowe

Katie Bowe on a run for Mountain Rangers

Midfield/striker, would probably play her just behind the front two. Everyone knows what Katie can do.
The best from free kicks and long range with her amazing left foot.
She was the star when Llandudno got to the Welsh Cup final (2015-16).
Brilliant passer, vision, strength; she can do anything with a football.

STRIKERS

Shan Jones

Local girl who has made her mark playing in America in recent years.
Played for Caernarfon in the Welsh Premier a few years ago and scored goals for fun.
One of the best attacking players I’ve seen and played alongside.

Mari Gibbard

Mari (yellow) keeps her eyes on the ball for Llandudno. Picture: Beverley Hemmings

Brilliant goalscorer for Bethel and Llandudno.
She’s been in America developing her skills and will probably be better than ever now.
Another really determined player, great to have on the team.