There is a new buoyancy in and around netball in Wales.
Australian coach Julie Hoornweg has taken charge of the Welsh team ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Celtic Dragons, who have earned their first Vitality Netball Superleague victory.
Dragons defeated Surrey Storm 55-50 at the Wales Sport National Centre.
Goalshooter Chelsea Lewis, who plays for Team Bath, has returned to the Wales team and is in the squad flying out for the Games on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Rosie Pretorius, Welsh Netball’s head of performance, said: “We are extremely proud of this group of players and the hard work and dedication they give to the sport.
“It was a tough selection and the long squad really pushed each other to raise their game and fight for their places.
“These athletes are great role models. All of them have full-time jobs or are studying full time and dedicate so much time and effort to their intense training and match schedules.
“These players sacrifice so much and to be able to represent your country at a Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle of their netball careers which they all deserve.”
“With a new management team and invigorated outlook we know the squad will make us proud and that our passionate and committed netball community will get behind the team.”
Wales will be competing in Pool B at the Commonwealth Games against New Zealand, England, Scotland, Malawi and Uganda in what promises to be a tough, exciting tournament.
Hoornweg has arrived from Australia and has a wealth of experience in both international and club netball. She has had spells with England and Fiji plus enjoying success at Melbourne Vixens in a career that has seen her earn numerous awards and accolades.
Hoornweg will be in charge of Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games where she will work alongside assistant Natalie Peperell and team manager Lavinia Baker.
Hoornweg and Peperell hold the same positions with Celtic Dragons with Louvain Lake team manager.
Wales team for Commonwealth Games in April: Fern Davies, Suzy Drane, Bethan Dyke, Kyra Jones, Nia Jones, Chelsea Lewis, Sarah Llewelyn, Kelly Morgan, Cara Lea Moseley, Georgia Rowe, Leila Thomas, Amanda Varey.
Hoornweg started on a high note after arriving in Wales with Celtic Dragons winning 55-50 against Surrey Storm in Superleague at Wales Sport National Centre in Cardiff.
Sureey took an early 5-2 lead, but the speed of playmakers Bethan Dyke and Kyra Jones helped Dragons find ample space and within a minute the teams were even.
Sarah Llewelyn scored some brilliant long-range goals and all of the shooters in green upped their accuracy.
Dragons were unlucky to trail by one at the break, after some late indecision cost them an easy goal.
Eleanor Roberts replaced Georgia Rowe at the start of the second quarter and at half-time the teams were level after an outstanding last gasp interception in front of goal lee the pendulum swinging back in Dragons’ favour.
Further substitutions saw Cara Lea Moseley and Leila Thomas go onto court for the third period.
Home fans were full of joy when Rowe, back on court, received a court-length pass completely unmarked. Dragons took a one-goal lead with a nailbiting 15 minutes to go.
Dragons maintained their composure when the fourth quarter started. Moseley’s shooting was spot on when player of the match Bethan Dyke took a crucial interception.
Dragons finished with a flourish and celebrated a hard-earned victory.
The Welsh club’s match at Manchester Thunder this weekend has been postponed because of the weather, while their next fixture is at home against Severn Stars on Saturday, March 10 (4pm).
Quarter scores: 11-12; 12-11 (23-23); 14-13 (37-36); 18-14 (55-50)
Celtic Dragons: G Rowe, S Llewelyn, B Dyke, K Jones, S Drane (capt), N Jones, K Morgan (vc). Reps: C Jones, CL Moseley, E Roberts, L Thomas, A Varey.
Surrey Storm: C Baard, R Dixon, E Gulvin, Y Parsons, K Holland (capt), J Trip, L Kowalewska. Reps: J Forbes-Wattley, K Harries, T Haynes, G Lees, E Porter.