Netballers hoping big crowd will inspire them
Scotland’s netball team is hoping a sell-out crowd will help the Thistles earn their first ranking points under new coach Tamsin Greenway against Barbados in December.
A two-match test series will be announced for Glasgow’s Emirates arena today – the first netball matches since the Covid pandemic struck and the first official World Netball ranking contest with Greenway at the helm.
“It has been a huge focus of ours to get greater exposure to nations across the world as we build towards the bigger picture,” said the coach, who took over earlier this year. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our players to get some test match exposure, under pressure against tough opposition and we look forward to the challenge.”
Thistles skipper Clare Maxwell said: “I’m excited to wear the Thistles dress in an official Test and in front of our Thistles’ Army. It is something we never take for granted.”
Thistles, ranked eighth in the world, take on the 13thranked Bajan Gems as part of a UK tour by the Gems.
Claire Nelson, Netball Scotland chief executive officer, said: “The return of International netball to Scotland has been a long time in the making. This event marks a milestone in our recovery and rebuild, but more importantly, it represents an opportunity to showcase women’s sport at a time when the country really needs to shine a greater light on them.”
The games, on December 2-3, will be announced today to mark the start of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport week.
Tickets are on sale on Friday, October 29.