LLANGATTOCK'S Emma Morgan is celebrating after recently being part of the Welsh team that won the Women's Lacrosse European Championships.
Held every four years, the championships were hosted by Finland Lacrosse in Lahti, and Wales travelled out with high hopes of retaining their European Championship from Praque 2004.
Proceedings began with a convincing 12-3 win over England. Subsequent games against the Czechs (15-0), and Germany (17-3) were controlled displays, and the closest of the games, which was against the Scots, saw Wales come out on top with a 7-4 victory.
Having made it to the Gold medal play-off, Wales only had England to beat to retain the championships.
Wales set out to play a composed final, and they achieved just that. Led by captain Esther Laugharne from Cardiff in defence, the midfield transitioned the ball effectively with Emma Chandler coming up with almost every ground ball.
Their attack worked purposefully looking for the best options, with the England goalie only able to make one save in a 7-1 first half due to some sharp shooting.
England did score in the second half from a fast break and free position. However, the Welsh attacking unit were dominant and led Wales to a 11-4 victory at full time - making them European Champions.
The team would like to thank all the family and friends who supported Wales in Lahti, both from the sidelines and from home.
Lacrosse is a fast and exciting game, and Wales are now looking forward to a hard session of training in preparation for the World Cup next summer.
Much of the expenses are funded by players, but as Emma told the Chronicle, "All the hard work and training has paid off. Playing on an international scene was an amazing feeling in itself, but to come home with a gold medal just makes it perfect."
For further information on Lacrosse, or any sponsorship enquiries, you can contact Emma on [email protected]">[email protected].