Thistles travelling to SA are named
A strong Thistles squad has been named by Tamsin ahead of the test series taking place in South Aftica.
Scottish thistles will fly out this week to South Africa and compete in the 4-nation test series. The squad boost some key players from both commonwealth games and world cup qualifiers as well as some new names and emerging talent.
- Claire Maxwell (Captain)
- Emily Nicholl (Vice-Captain)
- Emma Barrie
- Cerys Cairns
- Niamh McCall
- Kalea Stagg
- Emma Love
- Iona Christian
- Kelly Boyle
- Hannah Leighton
- Sarah MacPhail
- Hannah Grant
- Rachel Conway
- Cerys Finn
Non-Travelling Reserves: Lauren Tait | Erin Bolland
Greenway explains;
“In a World Cup year it’s about cementing combinations as well as bringing together a group who are challenging each other, pushing the boundaries and showing us what they can do under pressure. Being able to take 14 players gives us another shot to do that and keeps competition for places in the squad.“
What we’re really pushing at the Thistles, and what you are seeing across the world, is that no one operates on a 12 any more let alone just a 7. We have to look at every possibility. What if one of your key players goes down before the World Cup who else have you brought through? “
“There are times to give players opportunities and this South Africa tour is a chance to do this. It’s about who’s putting their hand up to be looked at next, including players like Cerys Finn who is shining in our pathway.”
“Players like Emma Love and Sarah McPhail are back in that mix, they had the disappointment of sitting out the World Cup Qualifiers, but their response was incredible and they’ve worked hard behind the scenes for this next opportunity.”
Noticeably missing from the squad list is Bethan Goodwin who delivered a stand out performance at world cup qualifiers;
“Bethan was unavailable for this tour due to work commitments. It’s important we keep emphasising that this is not a fully professional group of athletes they have jobs as well.
The amount of time we ask them to take time off for things like World Cup Qualifiers and World Cup next year means we have to prioritise things and we are fully supportive of Bethan and her job.”
“However, it’s also a huge opportunity to get others out on court, we have a very talented shooting end and I cant with to work with the likes of Barrie and Carins across this tour. “
Img: Ben Lumley
