Girls in paradise (From South Wales Argus)

Girls in paradise

12:10pm Wednesday 1st July 2009

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TWO Gwent netball stars have netted the trip of a lifetime and the honour of representing their country.

Pals Lucy Main, 19, and Catherine Roberts, 18, both from Oakdale, have made the Wales squad for the U21 World Championships taking place in the South Pacific paradise of the Cook Islands.

It is the culmination of years of hard work by the girls, who also represented Wales in the U21 European Championships – on that occasion in the rather less exotic location of Glasgow.

“We can’t wait to go,” said Lucy, who plays centre/wing attack.

“I don’t know much about the Cook Islands but what a fantastic place to go and play for Wales.

“It was a brilliant feeling being selected, we’re so lucky.”

The dream location might be the epitome of luxury but the reality of competition is likely to somewhat tougher.

The first match, on August 10, is against the home nation, a bit of an unknown quantity, but the netball superpowers of New Zealand and Australia will be waiting in the wings for the Welsh girls.

“It’s going to be tough, we know that,” said Lucy. “There are New Zealand and Australia and England are also very strong. And there are other teams we don’t know much about who will be real threats, I’m sure.”

In the pool stage Wales will face the Cook Islands, England, Malaysia and Vanuatu.

Wales coach Mel Tuckwell said: “I am delighted with the team that has been selected, there is a nice balance of experience and youth. The players have shown real dedication and commitment to their training and playing over the past few months.”

The girls started their netball careers at Oakdale Comprehensive School, Lucy going on to play for Newbridge and Catherine, who plays in the goal shoot position, for Abertillery.

Lucy now turns out for UWIC, where she is studying for a sports science degree, and next year she will be joined by Catherine who is to do the same course.

Lucy’s proud dad, John, was full of praise for both.

“They’ve done so well, it’s a fantastic achievement and just reward for a lot of hard work,” he said. “Before Lucy was at UWIC she was having to get up early, get to Cardiff to train, and then return for college in Cross Keys.

“It’s been a long road but it’s worth it when something like this happens. Unfortunately, it will be too expensive for us to travel with her, we had to find £2,000 to get Lucy there.

“But we’re hoping some of the action will be on Sky, otherwise we’re relying on the internet and calls from the girls to find out how they are doing.”

There will be plenty of sun, sea and sand for the girls to enjoy and, with a bit of luck, some of a fourth S – success!

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