The Welsh flyer grabbed a hat-trick in the 48-0 Pool win over the Ukraine and another two in a 62-0 hammering of Spain. She than crossed for a vital score in the 25-5 quarter-final triumph over the GB Royals.
That put the Royals into the Plate competition, where they went on to win the title by beating Spain 44-0, while the Lions headed into a semi-final clash with Russia. The Russians just came out on top in that one, winning 19-17 in the dying seconds before going on to win the final.
Joyce played in both the semi-final and the third-place play-off victory, 32-0, against the Irish to one again give the British selectors a taste of her talent before the final selection process for Rio.
“Obviously I am disappointed as we came here with the intention of winning. The Lions played really well in five games but failed to execute to our standards in the Russia game,” admitted head coach Simon Middleton.
“But there were some outstanding individual performances and from that the final selection picture has become clearer. Ultimately we came third but that’s not what we wanted and we need to find the missing five per cent on a more regular basis as that is what will be needed to medal in Rio.
“The overall depth of quality in the squad was reflected in the quarter final game between the two sides where no quarter was asked or given. The quality in the Royals side is reflected in the semi and final scores that resulted in them lifting the Plate.”
There were three other Welsh players in the Royals squad, Keira Bevan, Sioned Harris and Sian Williams.
GB Lions: Claire Allan, Abbie Brown, Heather Fisher, Vicky Fleetwood, Natasha Hunt, Jasmine Joyce, Sarah Mckenna, Katy Mclean, Alice Richardson (C), Danielle Waterman, Jo Watmore, Amy Wilson Hardy
Results: Pool C – Lions 48, Ukraine 0, Lions 40, Portugal 0, Lions 62, Spain 0; Q-F: Royals 5,Lions 25; S-F: Lions 17, Russia 19; 3rd Place: Lions 32, Ireland 0
GB Royals: Keira Bevan, Natasha Brennan, Rachael Burford (C), Sioned Harries, Megan Jones, Stephanie Johnston, Fran Matthews, Marlie Packer, Emily Scott , Michaela Staniford, Sian Williams, Kay Wilson
Results: Pool A – Royals 19, Netherlands 10, Royals 7, France 31, Royals 44, Finland 0; Q-F: Royals
