A year ago, the Wales under-15 girls team celebrated winning their annual home nations tournament for the first time.

Now the class of 2018 are aiming to bring the prestigious Bob Doherty Cup back over the Irish Sea with them on Monday.

A year of preparation has featured tough tests against England, Scotland and Brittany but now the serious business of retaining the trophy paraded so proudly in Dublin last year kicks off at the University of Ulster this weekend.

Two veterans of that victory remain and girls age group manager Matt Clement said: “The girls are putting pressure on themselves because of the success of last year’s group.

“But I’m not aiming to finish first, second or third, because it is all about progression.

“They have to compete and adhere to our principles in every game.”

One of those veterans is captain Carrie Jones, who says: “It’s been an honour to captain the team.

“Last year was amazing and hopefully we can do it all again this year.”

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Clement insists he’s been impressed by the character shown by his squad, despite disappointing defeats against England and Scotland in the build-up.

“They are keen to learn and their ability to implement the Welsh Way of playing has dramatically improved,” he said.

Two of last year’s Bob Docherty Cup players were Grace Burke and Hayley Hoare. Both have since represented Wales at under-17 level.

Defender Hoare, whose sister Katie is in this year’s squad, said: “When I think about it, it brings me joy and happiness.

“I would urge them all to enjoy it, but make sure they put their bodies on the line for everything.”

Goalkeeper Burke, the hero of two dramatic penalty shootout wins, said: “I didn’t expect to face as many penalties as I did but what I remember is winning and the reward of that.

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“The feeling it brought us all was amazing.”

Bob Doherty Cup fixtures (All matches being played at University of Ulster, Belfast)

Saturday, 24 March: 4.30pm – Wales v Northern Ireland (2004’s)

Sunday, 25 March: 2pm – Wales v England

Monday, 26 March: 11am – Placement match

Wales under-15 squad:

Safia Middleton-Patel (Liverpool)

Katie Young (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Bethan McGowan (Mumbles Rangers)

Anna Bebb (Birmingham City)

Katie Hoare (Bristol City)

Niamh Warrender (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Zoe Smith (Barry Town United)

Grace Anna Morris (Wales Performance Squad)

Megan Lewis (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Isabel Reidford (Tranmere Rovers)

Hollie Smith (Villa Dino Christchurch)

Ffion Spence (Barry Town United)

Ella Hilliard (Barry Town United)

Mary McAteer – (Bristol City)

Maria Francis-Jones (The New Saints)

Libby Isaac (The New Saints)

Carrie Jones (Wales Performance Squad)

Cerys Bevan (Swansea City)