Netball: Ynys Môn gain lots of benefits from Jersey experience

ISLAND INVITATIONAL NETBALL GAMES – NOVEMBER 10, 2023

Day 4: Ynys Môn 22-64 Jersey
(8-21; 13-39; 19-50; 22-64)

Report: Simone Gould

Ynys Môn knew they had a tough assignment today playing against current second place in the table Jersey, who are yet to lose a game.
After a full day to recover and reset after the Orkney match the morale and spirit was back in full force.

Squad

Kat Hughes
Elin Barwick
Elan Gilford
Lucie Leonard (c)
Rhodd Parry
Steff Oliver-Smith
Gwenno Pritchard
Jessie Jones
Cerys Jones
Gwen Roberts
Gwenan Williams (c)
Alaw Ceris

Starting 7

GS – Kat
GA – Elin
WA – Elan
C – Lucie
WD – Rhodd
GD – Steff
GK – Gwenno

After a light training session on Thursday night to go through some attacking and defensive tactics Ynys Môn opted for a rotating circle for today’s encounter to disrupt Jersey’s game plan.

The team got off to a great start from the first whistle with Môn taking the first centre pass straight to goal and scoring from it, boosting confidence and further lifting spirits.

Jersey stepped up their gears, working hard to keep Môn high and close down the rotation from the shooters throughout the first quarter.

With some excellent movement from Elin Barwick and fantastic timing from Kat Hughes the team were able to get the ball into the circle and successively into the shooters.

With Jersey aiming to win the entire tournament they continued to apply intense pressure throughout the game with their interchanges being seamless.

Môn were able to get all their players onto the court throughout the game which provides many vital learning opportunities for the players and fantastic exposure at this elite level.

Gwen Roberts and Cerys Jones both came on and had immediate positive impacts on the game.

Cerys Jones was consistently able to offer strong drives throughout the attacking third supporting with moving the ball to circle edge and feeding the shooters.

Gwen Roberts worked hard on closing down her players movements, keeping them high away from circle edge and forcing them to regularly readjust to try and get free.

Coaches comments

“Today for us was about trying out something new in our attacking end and celebrating the little wins on the court.

“We looked at marginal gains and using the game as a learning experience. The girls were incredibly positive all the way through the game and were able to celebrate their individual and team successes which in turn builds confidence in themselves and each other which shows on the court despite how tired they currently are feeling!

“Considering we only trialled 8 weeks ago and have had 3 training sessions – 1 with a full team I’m incredibly impressed with this group.”

The final game is against Guernsey on Saturday at 9 am.