Victory! Ynys Môn netball stars round off debut tournament on a real high

Celebration time for Ynys Môn! All pictures: SEAN CORLETT – many thanks indeed

ISLAND INVITATIONAL NETBALL GAMES – NOVEMBER 11, 2023

Day 5: Ynys Môn 57-41 Guernsey
(15-7; 30-18; 43-31; 57-41)

Report: Simone Gould

What a joyous way to end their first-ever tournament – victory for Ynys Môn!

After four defeats which contained many positives and where much was learnt, that longed for win arrived in some style.

Ynys Môn were all set for their final game on Saturday having rested and analysed both their own performance and that of Guernsey.

GK Cerys Parry does an almost perfect Usain Bolt impression

After an early breakfast at the hotel the girls got their head in the game with their pre-match singing and dancing they are now known for here on the Isle of Man.

Squad

Gwenan Williams (c)
Elin Barwick
Kathryn Hughes
Lucie Leonard (c)
Saran Griffiths
Steff Oliver-Smith
Cerys Parry
Jessie Jones
Cerys Jones
Gwenno Pritchard
Gwen Roberts
Rhodd Parry

Starting 7

GS – Gwenan
GA – Elin
WA – Kat
C – Lucie
WD – Saran
GD – Steff
GK – Cerys P

The team went into the game with a high energy and low risk target. It was important to maintain the positivity that the team had all week but ensure that they worked on keeping possession and keeping basic error rates low.

Gwenan Williams (black kit) on the attack for Ynys Môn

The team came out firing, with Gwenan’s strongholds in the circle and Elin’s fantastic dynamic movements in Goal Attack the Guernsey defence struggled to keep up and adapt.

With lots of defensive pressure through the court the team were able to pick up extra balls and work them to goal, ending the quarter 15-7 ahead.

The team continued to build throughout the game, with Saran Griffiths picking up a number of tips and interceptions disrupting their play and Elin firing in the shooting circle Guernsey struggled to respond.

Môn gave 100% from the first whistle to the final whistle and were rewarded with their first win of the Tournament.

Coaches comments

Coach Simone Gould (right) indulges in a team talk

“We’ve been building all week, working on marginal gains. Looking not only individually but within units and as a team where we can adapt and tweak things to improve our game and get some little wins.

Ynys Môn’s super supporters cheer on the team against Guernsey

“The girls implemented that and were able to not only win the game but have fun too. This group has been absolutely fantastic all week and have worked solidly on motivating and supporting each other no matter what, we’ve built a family and I’m incredibly proud of that.

“The team enjoyed some downtime following the final game and even went to watch the Jersey vs Isle of Man game live knowing it would be a great one to learn from.”

Player of the Tournament for Ynys Môn Lucie Leonard (C)

Following this the team went to the Invitational Island games presentation held at the Santander Work Cafe where they saw Lucie Leonard awarded with Player of the Tournament for Ynys Môn.

Môn did some of their own awards to celebrate the achievements of this week:

Player of the Match per game

Shetland: Saran Griffiths
Isle of Man: Gwenan Williams
Orkney: Kat Hughes & Cerys Parry
Jersey: Cerys Jones
Guernsey: Saran Griffiths

Coaches Player: Elin Barwick
Assistant Coaches player: Cerys Parry
Most Improved: Kathryn Hughes
Players Player of the Tournament: Saran Griffiths