Ynys Môn make promising start in island games netball tournament

REPORT: Simone Gould

Ynys Môn began their island games netball campaign with a gallant 60-49 defeat against Shetland earlier today (Tuesday, November 7).

The Anglesey squad travelled on Monday to Isle of Man ahead of the Invitational Island Games being staged on Ellan Vannin.

The team had ample time to get themselves settled into the hotel, complete captain’s interviews and familiarise themselves on the match court.

Match details

Ynys Môn 49 Shetland 60

Squad
Gwenan Williams (c)
Elin Barwick
Cerys Davies
Lucie Leonard (c)
Rhodd Parry
Cerys Parry
Alaw Ceris
Cerys Jones
Kat Hughes
Saran Griffiths
Gwen Roberts
Gwenno Pritchard

Team spirits were high and positive going into this game. The team were excited to get their island games started and show Ynys Môn off to the netballing world.

Captains Lucie and Gwenan led the squad through an intense and strong warm up to support the players getting physically and mentally ready.

Following this the team had their nails checked, put their bibs on and got ready to take to the court – after a cheeky blast of Yma o Hyd through the speakers to really lift the team spirit.

Starting 7
GS – Gwenan
GA – Elin
WA – Cerys D
C – Lucie
WD – Rhodd
GD – Cerys P
GK – Alaw

The team had a shaky start to the game, showing that they needed to get rid of some nerves quickly. 

They were able to shake these off and display their determination and resilience, fighting back in the second quarter which resulted in a 12-11 win. 

The girls continued to show perseverance throughout the game, pushing Shetland’s boundaries, picking up a number of turnovers through interceptions and tips.

Rhodd and Saran worked incredibly hard defensively to shut down their play and pick up ball.

Lucie continued to offer stability through the middle of the court in transitions and attacking play, safely getting the ball to Gwenan who had over 80% shooting stats in her first game!

It was 28-22 to Shetland at half time and things looked promising for an Anglesey comeback, but the archipelago (chain, cluster, or collection of islands) side stayed strong and won the day.

The match ended 60-49 to Shetland,   

Coach Grace Anderson said:  “I’m incredibly proud of the team today, they worked hard throughout the game and adapted as and when they needed to.

“At times they showed fast, well-timed through court attack where the ball moved beautifully from one end of the court to the other. 

“We got a high number of turnovers which was fantastic and each player who came on slotted in seamlessly.“

The team’s next game is Wednesday at 6pm v hosts Isle of Man.

All games can be watched here: https://www.youtube.com/@isleofmannetball2919

Follow on instagram here: https://instagram.com/pelrwyd_ynysmon_netball?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg==