Schoolgirl lacrosse stars helped make sporting history when they represented Wales last weekend.
Menna, 18, and Christina, 16, were selected to represent Wales U19 in the Oxton Invitational, a lacrosse tournament featuring the current British and European champions, two touring sides from the USA, England U19A and B and Scotland U19.
The Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls pupils and their team suffered a shock first game defeat against Scotland.
Undeterred, they went on to play a fiercely contested game against England B, losing by just one point, 3 – 4.
Motivated by the near win, the Welsh players took to the pitch against England A determined to leave a mark.
Despite torrential rain, both teams displayed energy, commitment and ferociousness with Wales taking a mid-game lead.
A determined England side levelled before a last minute save by the Welsh keeper and quick transition assisted a Welsh goal in the dying seconds of the game.
The result, a 5 – 4 victory to Wales, was the first time they had gained the upper hand against England at U19 level in more than 35 years.
With new found confidence and a historical win under their belts, the girls earned their first full Welsh cap at the tournament and are now in contention for a place in the World Cup team which will compete next summer in Scotland.
Miss Scott, who teaches lacrosse at HMSG and manages the U19 team, said: “Throughout the tournament Menna and Christina proved they have the commitment, composure and passion needed to compete and succeed at an elite level.
“The euphoria that broke out across the pitch as the final whistle went against England will not be forgotten by players, the performance team and supporters alike for a very long time.
“It marks a pivotal juncture for Welsh Lacrosse following the recent restructure of the Women’s Performance Programme under the guidance of International player Gemma Morgan and ex-USA U19 Head Coach Krystin Porcella and shows the rest of the world that we are a nation to contend with.
“I am extremely proud of both players and have high hopes that they will both go on to represent Wales in the U19 World Cup taking place in Scotland next July.
“The World Cup buzz also bodes well for the start of a very exciting season of lacrosse at HMSG.”
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