With this Round Nine match being an international colours themed round, this Wales vs Scotland affair certainly lived up to expectation.
It’s always a battle when Celtic Dragons face Strathclyde Sirens, but with the Welsh side only having a ten-hour rest, the game was going to be a test of fight and resilience.
Both teams started strong, but it was Celtic Dragons who powered through to gain a 16-10 lead heading into the second quarter.
The Dragons squad continued to work together to get the turnovers and to translate them into goals. Celtic Dragons stretched their lead out to eight goals with eight minutes remaining of the third quarter. With an injury forcing Stella Oyella to the bench, Niamh McCall takes to court to replace the goal attack. The rejection of the shot from Ella Powell-Davies ignites the crowd once again as Dragons head into the second half with a four-goal-lead.
Sirens made changes at half time to counteract Dragons, with Claire Maxwell moving to the centre position and Abigail Robson moving to wing defence. Celtic Dragons start the third quarter as they started the first half, but once the half way mark of the third quarter hit, Strathclyde Sirens stepped into gear and take a one-goal advantage going into the final quarter.
Sirens continue the momentum built from the end of the third quarter and build on their one-goal lead. Despite this being the second match for Celtic Dragons in less than 24 hours, they continue to fight until the end and didn’t let Sirens get more than a two-goal lead. Sirens started to pull away and get a four-goal lead, but important turnovers and pressure from all seven on court from Dragons brought the game back to a one-goal-game. In the dying minutes of the game, the Green Army in Cardiff were willing Dragons to level the match, but in the end Strathclyde Sirens managed to hold onto the lead.
About the closely contested game, Dannii Titmuss-Morris, Celtic Dragons Head Coach said “It really stings to not be able to push it out over the line. Full credit to the girls out there. There were some really beautiful passages and patches of play.”
Celtic Dragons next play Leeds Rhino’s away at Huddersfield on Sunday 2nd April. Dragons’ next home game is on Friday 7th April against Manchester Thunder. You can buy your tickets here – https://ethicalticketing.org/celtic-dragons/event/7147135
