“As a management team, we are so proud of the team,” said Jonathan Hooper. “To come away with a medal was testament to the way they have applied themselves not only during last week’s competition, but during the months of preparation leading up to it.”
In the sweltering heat of the Bahamas, Hooper’s youngsters overcame a Day One loss in a competitive match against Canada to bounce back in style against Bermuda (58-0) and Trinidad and Tobago (53-0).
A reverse to eventual winners Australia didn’t dishearten them on Day Two. In fact, it spurred them on as they roared back with a 26-7 victory against a very physical Fiji side, against whom Wales would compete in the Bronze Medal Match on Day Three.
“it was a thrilling final match, and I can’t praise the players enough for the amount of effort they put into that last game,” Hooper said. “They were fearless and determined to win, never giving up.”
With the scores locked 7-7 at half-time, there was then a 30-minute stoppage for injury. When play restarted, Fiji went up 14-7. Wales then showed they were made of stern stuff, equalising with just a minute to go.
“We reclaimed our restart, hammered their try-line and eventually manufactured a try out wide after the buzzer had sounded to win it,” described Hooper. “It was such a proud day for everyone involved. It was also great to have the support of some of the parents and Team Wales officials cheering us on from the sidelines.”
Hooper lauded the professional conduct of the girls throughout the competition, calling them “great ambassadors not only for Team Wales but for Welsh rugby.” Following the conclusion of the sevens, his team were eager to support the rest of the Team Wales athletes competing in swimming, boxing and tennis events.
“The Commonwealth Youth Games was a great learning experience for us all and bodes well for the future,” Hooper said. “To play at that level of physicality and intensity in such high temperatures over three days is something that the girls hadn’t experienced before and their future development will be a lot richer for it.”
The players will be back in training as Wales Women U18 Sevens next week, as they look ahead to their next competition in September, the UK School Games, before delving back into Rugby Europe a fortnight later.
Team Wales Sevens: Imogen Shide, Maisie Mackenzie, Manon Johnes, Caitlin Lewis, Amy Morgan, Bethan Lewis (captain), Kayleigh Powell, Lucy Packer, Courtney Greenaway, Ffion Jones, Lleucu George, Lauren Smyth.
Future is bright for young Welsh medallists
The head coach of the women’s sevens team which captured bronze for Team Wales at the Commonwealth Youth Games has spoken of his pride at their achievement.
