Wales’ under-21 netball squad are battling for a big finish to their World Youth Cup campaign in Botswana.
They went down 52-39 in a crucial match against the hosts and are now working for a top 13 finish.
Wales earned an impressive 72-30 victory against Grenada on Monday, but were left disappointed after losing 32-36 to Trinidad and Tobago the next day.
Head Coach Natalie Peperell and her team then took on hosts Botswana in front of a noisy, partisan crowd and were edged out.
“The best thing about this Welsh squad is their fighting spirit and we’re going to come back fighting,” said Peperell.
Bethan Johnson, a student at Brynteg Comprehensive School, and Georgia Jenkins, from Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, are 17-year-olds who have been outstanding at the championships.
“Bethan Johnson had a really strong performance at WA,” said Peperell. “Georgia Jenkins won her second cap for Wales and gave us a stand out performance at goal-shooter. She scored 15 goals in 15 minutes against Trinidad.
“With both athletes only 17 years old, the future looks bright for these stars.”
Jenkins and Sarah Llewelyn impressed with their shooting against Botswana.
There are 20 countries competing in the championships, which are being played over nine days.
Wales’ starting seven v Botswana was: GS Jenkins, GA Llewelyn, WA Johnson, C Dyke, WD Davies, GD Powell, GK Walker-Jones.
Botswana started strongly and won the first quarter 18-8, but Wales powered back to come out on top 10-7 in the second. It was a close fought, teen match, but home advantage gave Botswana the edge.
Quarter scores (Botswana first): 18-8; 7-10 (25-18); 14-12 (39-30); 12-9 (52-30).
Wales Under-21 squad: Chloe James (capt), Rebecca Baker, Fern Davies, Isabelle Dunsford, Chloe Dyke, Celyn Emanuel, Georgia Jenkins, Bethan Johnson, Sarah Llewelyn, Megan Powell, Leila Thomas, Miquie Walker-Jones.
Management:
Head Coach: Natalie Peperell
Assistant Coach: Jamilla Abbott
Team Manager: Lavinia Baker
Wales Under-21 group results: England 69, Wales 23; Wales 35, Fiji 48; Grenada 72, Wales 30; Wales 32, Trinidad & Tobago 36.
Result in finals: Botswana 52, Wales 39.