Wales aiming for sevens heaven
WALES men’s rugby sevens side get their Commonwealth Games campaign under way today, and will battle it out against hot favourites Fiji this afternoon.
The sevens side – with Justin Tipuric the star name in the men’s squad – were set to take on Uganda on the Gold Coast in the early hours of this morning, followed by Sri Lanka before coming up against Fiji this afternoon.
Their toughest test will be in their third and final Pool D clash with the Fijian today, who claimed gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio with victory over Team GB.
Wales women’s sevens got off to a start yesterday, but lost out to hosts Australia 34-5 despite their best efforts. Defence from the Olympic champions and tournament favourites was difficult to break down during Wales’ opener, but Jasmine Joyce managed to secure a great try.
The women’s rugby sevens tournament on the Gold Coast is the first time the event has been staged as part of the Games.
Joyce went on to score her second try of the day against Fiji, who claimed a 29-7 victory over Wales yesterday.
Joyce said: “It’s a massive learning curve for us. We’re the only amateur team here so it makes a big difference to us.”
Wales women are now preparing to take on England today. Overall, Wales have set a new overseas medal record after another successful day at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games yesterday.
Wales’ highest number of medals at an overseas Games was in Auckland, New Zealand, when Wales came home with 25 medals in 1990.
But a new record has been set after more success on the Gold Coast this week.
Wales were 10th in the medals table yesterday with a total of 29 medals, including seven gold, 10 silver and 12 bronze.
Meanwhile gymnast Laura Halford claimed silver in the individual hoop final on Friday.
Halford said: “Friday the 13th is my new favourite day.”
The 22-year-old athlete, who is currently on a gap year from university, told the BBC: “I’ve enjoyed this whole experience. It’s just been amazing.
“I just wanted to come here and enjoy every second of it and I’ve definitely done that so I can walk away really happy.
“I think now this medal has definitely made it all worth it. I’m just so happy how I managed to come out here and do my best performances.”
In the individual ball final, she placed fourth, and in the final gymnastics event of the day, Halford placed also fourth in the individual ribbon final after she was the last competitor to take to the floor yesterday.
It comes after Halford came fifth in the rhythmic gymnastics all-around final on Thursday.
Heading into today, Wales are fighting for a gold medal in boxing after Lauren Price beat Tammara Thibeault of Canada to make it through to the final of the women’s 75kg class. Price will be fighting for gold when she comes up against Caitlin Parker of Australia.
Price said yesterday: “I’m one step closer to getting that gold.”
Boxer Sammy Lee also got through to the men’s 81kg final after beating Australia’s Clay Waterman.
Elsewhere, wrestler Kane Charig picked up silver in the Freestyle 65kg after Bajrang Punia of India picked up gold.
Charig, who secured Wales’ best ever wrestling result, said: “For us to win a medal, it means it’s possible for the rest of the guys. There will be a snowball effect.”
Shooter Sarah Wixey of Wales picked up bronze in the women’s trap, while Laetisha Scanlan of Australia took home gold and Kirsty Barr of Northern Ireland was awarded silver.
Boxer Mickey McDonagh picked up a bronze in the Men’s 60kg after a tight semi-final with Australia’s Harry Garside.