GEMS IMPROVE BUT STILL LOSE

THE Gems produced an improved performance but still lost as the Welsh Feathers celebrated a double Test victory on Sunday.

The two teams used the two matches as part of preparations for the Celtic Cup. The Welsh Feathers are the defending champions.

They backed up Saturday’s 66-39 victory at Cardiff City’s House of Sport with a 50-44 win on Sunday.

There were two new faces on show for Wales in the first match, with Millie Carter and Ellie Blackwell making their international debuts.

Leah Middleton was named player of the first match in what was her first appearance since dislocating her ankle, while Georgia Rowe took the honour on her 75th cap on Sunday.

The Celtic Cup begins tomorrow.

This year’s competition sees an increase from four to six teams with the addition of world number seven side Uganda She Cranes and the 18th-ranked side Namibia Desert Jewels.

Celtic Cup fixtures

Tomorrow

Uganda She Cranes v Namibia Desert Jewels

Zimbabwe Gems v Northern Ireland Warriors

Scottish Thistles v Welsh Feathers

Thursday, 27 November

Northern Ireland Warriors v Uganda She Cranes

Namibia Desert Jewels v Scottish Thistles

Welsh Feathers v Zimbabwe Gems

Friday, 28 November

Namibia Desert Jewels v Zimbabwe Gems

Welsh Feathers v Northern Ireland Warriors