Wales rout inexperienced Malaysia

20/07/1997

WALES outclassed Malaysia's Commonwealth Games project team, 72-21 in a
friendly netball match played at the National Sports Council (NSC) court
in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
Twelve players from the touring Welsh side will compete when the '98
Games netball begins on Sept 14 and this could spell trouble for Malaysia.
"We just started training and the girls have been together for only one
season. We could have done better," said their national coach Avril Roper.
Malaysia's new coach Enid Browne thinks things can improve.
"This is the first match they have played under my wing and from what I
saw today (yesterday), there is much work to be done. They don't have the
art of holding on to the ball, they lose possession when under pressure
and this must be ironed out before the Games."
Netball is the fastest growing women's sport in Wales and they have an
Under-16 side that have numerous European titles under their belt.
"We have four full-time netball development officers to cater for
schools. They are entrusted to nurture junior talent so that we have a
steady back-up for future," said Avril.
"The majority of the players who are in Malaysia are Physical Education
(PE) teachers. They play an important part in schools when not competing
in tournaments."
Wales are only wary of New Zealand in the Commonwealth Games.
"All we want to do when the Games begin is to play well, we have no
targets. It will be an achievement if we can beat New Zealand who are the
best in the world right now," she added.
"We will meet New Zealand close to Christmas and will know where we
stand then. As for England, we did lose to them in a recent tournament but
the girls were not ready then. We will surely beat them the next time
around.
"Northern Ireland are one of our best sparring partners, our matches are
normally close and keenly contested. We will have a few more friendlies
before we break camp in September. Trials will be held in October."
FIXTURES - Today: Wales v Kuala Lumpur (5.0); Tomorrow: Wales v Jaya '98
(5.0); 22 July: Wales v BJSS (5.0); 23 July: Wales v Police (5.0) - All
matches at the Bukit Jalil Courts.
(END)