WALES has started its 2024 international netball year with a bang, defeating Uganda 57 goals to 45.

Perhaps still feeling the effects of jetlag, Uganda pushed the Feathers for much of the game but ran out of puff as it wore on.

Wales was the first to break the opposition centre pass, taking the early lead before Uganda broke back and quickly levelled things up.

It was scrappy from both sides to begin with, with defensive pressure ensuring plenty of mistakes and turnover opportunities. This also meant neither side was able to get more than two goals ahead before their opponents would reel them back in.

Both defences also had to work extra hard because of the height difference between the respective goal shooters and goal keepers.

Although Wales led for much of the front part of the quarter and Uganda led for much of the middle of it, in the end it was Wales who held a two-goal lead at the first break.

After an unforced error from Uganda it was Wales who extended its lead early in the second term, and it was cemented off the back of some stellar defensive work from Ella Powell-Davies and Leah Middleton.

The She Cranes were starting to show the effects of only being in the UK for a short time, as simple errors in attack proved costly.

As much as the likes of Irene Eyaru and Sarah Nakiunga were pushing hard to keep Uganda in the game, the She Cranes were unable to completely reel in the Feathers.

The margin got out to as many as five goals in the second term, but it ultimately sat back at four goals in favour of Wales at the main break.

Uganda got the better of the starts to the second half and quickly brought the margin back to a singular goal. The She Cranes pushed the Feathers for much of the quarter to maintain that small margin, but as the quarter progressed into its final third then the home side was able to retake control, re-establishing their earlier buffer.

Wales then pulled away late to take an eight-goal lead into the final break.

The She Cranes started well in term four and had the momentum, scoring about double the amount of goals the Feathers did to see the margin drop down to only four.

Wales were then able to steady and re-establish their buffer, and even extending it larger than where it was at the final change.

It ultimately proved too much for Uganda to pull back in, ultimately going down by 12 goals.

Player of the Match honours went to Middleton, who starred on debut at goal keeper, making life hard for Mary Cholhok. Nia Jones was also impressive for the Feathers, really leading from the front.

WALES                14 | 13 | 15 | 15 (57)
UGANDA            12 | 10 | 12 | 11 (45)

STARTING SEVENS

Wales:

GS: Georgia Rowe
GA: Phillipa Yarranton
WA: Bethan Dyke
C: Shona O’Dwyer
WD: Nia Jones
GD: Ella Powell-Davies
GK: Leah Middleton

Uganda:

GS: Mary Cholhok
GA: Irene Eyaru
WA: Sarah Nakiyunga
C: Magret Baagala
WD: Florance Adunia
GD: Christine Nakitto
GK: Falidah Kadondi