Monmouth netball coach shines for Wales

Monmouth netball coach Chelsea Lewis struck inside 10 seconds in Wales’ spirited 70-44 defeat yesterday against the mighty New Zealand at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Chelsea, who coaches netball at Monmouth School for Girls, fired Wales’ into an early lead in their opening Pool B fixture in Australia.

The Team Bath goal-shooter finished with 21 goals – the joint-highest in her team – as Wales recorded their best ever score-line against New Zealand.

Wales won the second quarter of the match 13-9 – their first ever period triumph against the Silver Ferns.

And Wales made a third entry into the history books with a closest ever score margin against New Zealand, a titan of world netball.

Wales should be buoyed ahead of tomorrow’s (Saturday 7th April) second Pool B match against Celtic rivals Scotland (9.32am UK time).

Wales play rivals England on Monday 9th April (4.02am), Uganda on Tuesday 10th April (11.32am) and round off their pool against Malawi on Wednesday 11th April (10.02am).

Quarter scores against New Zealand, Wales first: 14-23 (14-23); 13-9 (27-32); 9-20 (36-52); 8-18 (44-70).

Shooting statistics for Wales: Chelsea Lewis: 21/31; Cara Moseley: 21/30; Georgia Rowe: 1/2; Sarah Llewelyn: 1/1.