Cerys is a net winner
Talented Perthshire teenager helps Scots to defeat Irish rivals
Cerys loved the experience of playing for the Scotland A squad Talented Perth netball player Cerys Cairns is reflecting on a memorable experience representing Scotland A.
The Perth Academy student helped the national team to a 64-40 win against Republic of Ireland at the Oriam in Edinburgh.
Cerys (16), joined by players from under-17, under-21 and Scottish Thistles squads, admits it was a game she will remember for the rest of her life.
“The experience for me to play against the Republic of Ireland was amazing, a dream come true,” Cerys told the Perthshire Advertiser.
“I felt so privileged to be selected to play for my country once again.
“The Scotland team was a mix of players from the Thistles squad, U21s and U17s who have different amounts of experience.
“Being the youngest player I was looking forward to being part of the team.
“It was such a great opportunity and along with the support of coaching and management staff, we as a team all had a fantastic game.
“At that level it’s not just about turning up and playing your game.
“We had to have a pre-match meeting to discuss what our game plan was and then we had to have an on court warm up in front of the crowd.
“After the game I also got to experience my first ever ice bath which wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated!
“For me it’s another game I will remember for the rest of my life.”
Commenting on her own performance in the victory, Cerys added: “I felt my own performance was good having never played at that level before and with a new team I think I worked really well with them.
“Getting the win was a great achievement from our young side. The coaches were pleased with how well we did and we will be having a post match analysis at our next session.”
Cerys was full of thanks to all those who came through to Edinburgh to support and everyone who continues to follow her rise up the netball ladder at home.
“The support I have received from family and friends from Perth has been amazing,” she said.
“So many people have been congratulating me on what I have achieved so far and wishing me luck not only for that game but also for future training and games that I have coming up.
“At first I was a bit nervous knowing there would be so many people coming to watch but once you get on court with your team you just get on with playing the game and doing what you need to do. Hearing the crowd cheer you on really makes a difference.
“It’s nice to know that people are interested in what I am up to and hopefully I will be inspiring other youngsters from Perth to work hard.”
The hard work for Cerys certainly isn’t going to stop across the next couple of months.
She said: “Currently I am training every fortnight with the U17s national squad and also have training weekly with the Scotland A squad.
“Along with that I train with a club in Glasgow each week and play in a ladies’ league there too.
“I feel that every training session and game I play I learn more and become a better player.
“What I love about my sessions is coming away knowing that I have worked hard and gained more knowledge.”