THIRTEEN players from Usk Junior Netball Club were the lucky mascots for the Celtic Dragons on the weekend who smashed their Scottish rivals Strathclyde Sirens 59-49.

The ‘Celtic Clash’ took place at Cardiff University’s National Indoor Athletics Centre in front of a large home crowd.

The young players from Usk Netball Club were delighted to be mascots, they ensured plenty of colour was bought to the game: from posters, to Mexican waves, while leading with songs to the drum rhythm, the crowd were certainly involved and behind the players, all arguably helping to ensure the team never trailed and ultimately went on to secure the round 14 win.

Netball undoubtedly continues to grow in popularity across the UK, especially since England’s head coach Tracey Neville MBE saw her team win gold for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, beating Australia by just one point.

Monmouthshire is no exception. Usk Junior Netball Club was only formed in September of last year but as head junior coach Claire Powell explains, “In just a few months the club has around 30 young players aged seven to 11 training every week. They compete each month with great success in U11s and U10s South East netball league.

“Plus, we have already got some of our junior players in the Monmouthshire county hub. We are a club with big ambition. To be side by side with the girls’ heroes was a well-earned treat for our players. I’m very proud of them”.

Celtic Dragons are one of ten UK teams who take part in the Netball Super League, which sees a squad that features a range of international stars and is led by New Zealand Coach Tania Hoffman.

When asked about their experience of the day, one of Usk Netball Club’s Lydia Lannen said, “We all had an amazing afternoon and learned lots. The Dragons were so friendly to us, but fierce on the court. You see other children being mascots for all sorts of sports, so for us it was great to be able to do it too. We hope to be just as good as them one day!”

New players are always welcome at Usk Netball Club, training takes place every Thursday for the juniors at Usk Athletic Club from 5.30-6.30pm. Players come from afar to play, including Abergavenny and Monmouth. If you are interested in coming along please speak to Claire Powell 07930 925883, your first session is free.

Usk Netball Club Mascots for the Celtic Clash were: Beatrice Reader, Katy Evans, Ava Powell, Roxi Phillips, Lola Jones, Elsa Simms, Chloe Jenkins, Phoebe Powell, Amy Jones, Carys Price, Nia Davies, Daisy Park and Lydia Lannen.