Uganda’s visit to Wales ended on a sweet note after the She Cranes defeated the Welsh Feathers 59-48 to win the three-match series 2-1 at the House of Sports in Cardiff, Wales, in the United Kingdom, on Saturday, 13 January, 2024.
It was a come-from-behind series win after the visitors lost the first match 57-45. Uganda came back in the second outing and levelled the series as they won 64-40.
The opening match was Wales’ first win over the She Cranes since 2015, with Uganda beating the Feathers at last year’s World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, a tournament in which they finished fifth, while their opponents were ninth.
Photo: Uganda Netball on X
The Carrie Elspeth Player of the Series was Mary Nuba Cholhok.
Despite the convincing score-line, the Welsh Feathers pushed the She Cranes, as they fought hard to win the series at home, but it wasn’t to be.
Wales co-captain Nia Jones reflects on the result and their performance: “I felt we let it slip in critical moments, there’s certain moments where you need to score off your possession and when you don’t, it lets them off the hook.
“It could have stayed even closer towards the end, and we could have built off that momentum we worked really hard to get going into half time.
“The break probably came at the wrong time for us and Uganda were grateful for it, but we’ll learn from those moments, and one thing we’ve got from this series is belief that when we’re in the moment, we can take them!”
Nia Jones, Welsh Feathers WD/GD and co-Captain
In a very physical encounter, Uganda started brightly and opened a five goal difference headed into the second quarter with a 17-12 lead.
The Welsh were more aggressive in the second round, winning 13-9 as the visitors carried a one point lead (26-25) going into the third quarter.
Fred Mugerwa’s side found their feet winning the third quarter 18-14 and taking a slender 44-38 lead.
The She Cranes were clinical in the final quarter which they won 15-10, to win the tie with a difference of 11 goals.
Uganda – who finished fifth in the recent World Cup – are preparing to face Australia, England and New Zealand in the upcoming Netball Nations Cup.
In the meantime, Wales’ players will now focus on league and domestic action.
2024 Wales v Uganda International Netball Tour Fixtures at the House of Sport
Wed 10 Jan: Wales 57-45 Uganda
Fri 12 Jan: Wales 40-64 Uganda
Sat 13 Jan: Wales 48-59 Uganda
The Welsh Feathers Squad
Abigail Caple (GA/GS)
Bethan Dyke (WA/C and co-Captain)
Lucy Howells (GD/GK/WD)
Alex Johnson (GD/GK)
Bethan Johnson (WA/C)
Nia Jones (WD/GD and co-Captain)
Zoe Matthewman (GS/GA)
Leah Middleton (GK/GD)
Caris Morgan (GD/GK)
Ellen Morgan (C/WD)
Shona O’Dwyer (C/WA)
Megan Pilkington (C/WD)
Ella Powell-Davies (GD/WD)
Georgia Rowe (GS/GA)
Phillipa Yarranton (GA/WA)
The She Cranes Squad
Lilian Achola (C/WA)
Magret Baagala (C/WA and Assistant Captain)
Batamuliza Mercy (GS/GA)
Mary Cholhok Nuba (GS)
Irene Eyaru (GA/WA and Captain)
Haniisha Muhammeed (GS/GK)
Falidah Kadondi (GD/GK)
Sarah Nakiyunga (WA/C)
Christine Nakito (GD/WD)
Sandra Ruth Nambirige (GD/WD)
Christine Namulumba (GS)
Shadiah Nassanga (GA/GS)
Photo Caption: Uganda secured a well-deserved 59-48 victory to earn a 2-1 come-from-behind series win over Wales at the House of Sports in Cardiff on Saturday. Photo: Supplied
Photo Caption: Next up for the Ugandans is a trip to England to face The Roses, Australia and New Zealand in the Nations Cup. Photo: Uganda Netball on X
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