The clash with Surrey Storm, who have former England international Tamsin Greenway as player-coach, is a crucial test for Celtic Dragons and the live TV cameras will add extra spark to the evening.
Celtic Dragons swept to victory in their first Zeo Netball Superleague home match of the season against Loughborough Lightning – and are now preparing for a clash with leaders Surrey Storm which will be shown live on Sky television.
The clash with Storm, who have former England international Tamsin Greenway as player-coach, is a crucial test for Celtic Dragons and the live TV cameras will add extra spark to the evening.
A capacity attendance is expected and Dragons’ coach Melissa Hyndman says: "It’s a big match and we have to build on our performance during the win against Loughborough.
"I was pleased with the defence in our game and that’s what I want to push forward for the Surrey Storm match.
"They are going to be a force, but we know what we have to do.
"We have a new look team with some real Welsh flair."
Celtic Dragons produced a team performance full of quick, crisp passing in front of the loud and enthusiastic ‘Green Army’ supporters at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff.
Dragons won all four quarters against Loughborough, coming out on top 15-11, 16-13 (31-24), 17-6 (48-30), 13-11 (61-41).
Goal-shooter Timmy Cato was a strong leader for Dragons and, while she was not at her best in finishing, was a major threat for Loughborough.
"I was really pleased top win in our first home match of the season and to have been able to use 11 of my 12 players," said Hyndman. "We are looking at this Superleague season as Welsh preparation for the Commonwealth Games. It wasn’t our best team performance, but it was much, much better.
"Individually the players had set targets to reach and they all achieved those."
Dragons have lost goalkeeper Rosie Pretorius after she suffered ligament damage and Hyndman says: "That’s a blow, of course, but we have brought in a great replacement in Kelly Morgan, who was outstanding against Lightning.
"That shows the depth of talent we can turn to. I am giving young girls an opportunity when last year I maybe wouldn’t have been in a position to do that."
Morgan, from Maesteg, played a leading role in the Celtic Dragons victory.
"Rosie is to have surgery on Thursday and the good news is that she is still in contention for the Commonwealth Games in July," said Hyndman.
Celtic Dragons suffered defeats in their first two Superleague fixtures, edged out 49-45 at Hertfordshire Mavericks and 62-52 against Team Northumbria in Newcastle on Saturday.
The Dragons players travelled to Newcastle and back by coach, arriving back in South Wales on Sunday and quickly preparing for Monday’s home win against Loughborough.
While Dragons won 61-41 this week, Team Northumbria snatched a dramatic 52-50 win over York Jets. Manchester Thunder beat Hertfordshire Mavericks 48-38.
Suzy Drane and Cara Lea Moseley are co-captains for Celtic Dragons and Hyndman says: "They are bringing a new dynamic to the squad as they change the tempo for 2014.
"We have kept the main engine room to the team with Emma Thomas, Stephanie Williams, Nichola James, Nia Jones, Kyra Jones, Bethan Dyke and Cathy Bastian."
The return of Cato is a major plus for a Dragons team who saw Sara Hale join Manchester Thunder.