Roar of the Roses…

13/04/2018  -  2.46

Lesley Blair WLV Sport Head of Netball, and U19s Wasps Netball Head Coach

Well who knew? Well the whole of the Netballing family actually believed that history could be made by the England Roses at the Commonwealth Games. A majestic display of netball saw them beat New Zealand in the CWG for the first time. It was worth the late night and weary eyes the following day!

Grit, determination and passion.

I know it’s something that I have dreamed about since taking up the sport as a seven year old.

We have been playing catch up for years, but not anymore. Like so many other teams, England has arrived on the major stage and look set to ruffle a few feathers.

We all know things can change in blink of an eye and let’s hope that the good fortunes of the English side remain. But with success comes the pressure and tears. Case in point, from a near faultless shooting display Bethan Goodwin just 18 years old, had the pressure on her shoulders to score the goal that would earn them a draw against Uganda. She missed and was visibly distraught. But dwell upon that she didn’t and was instrumental in earning Scotland a win against Barbados in extra time!!

With the next CWG in Birmingham we can’t help but feel the buzz and be excited with what is next to come. With Super League franchise Wasps Netball on the doorstep, the CWG can only go on to inspire so many young aspiring players to try and emulate their role models. Guthrie, Nunyonga, Haythornewaite & Stirling whilst sounding like partners of a law firm; they are indeed some of the stars of this year’s CWG.

The success of this England team has been a long time coming and should we be jumping on the band wagon, absolutely! Partnerships across the country, similar to that of the University of Wolverhampton and Wasps Netball, will aid in England achieving their ambition of being number one on the world. Let’s be honest after the finals this weekend, it is hoped we will not be far off!