Scottish Thistles handed massive boost ahead of Commonwealth Games

Last Updated: 03/04/14 3:34pm

Lesley MacDonald: Delighted with Thistles' performance

Netball's Scottish Thistles were given a huge boost on their way to the 2014 Commonwealth Games when they beat Trinidad and Tobago for the first time.

The team claimed the trophy on Wednesday after winning all three matches in a Test series with the Calypso Girls at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow.

Thistles captain Lesley MacDonald said: "I am delighted with our performance over the three Test matches.

"It has been a great learning experience from first to last. There has been a big improvement even over the three matches and we have come out all guns firing.

"The fact Trinidad and Tobago are ranked eighth in the world and we are 12th has given the team confidence in the run up to the Commonwealth Games."

Coach Gail Parata said: "I'm really pleased. The condition of the girls meant they stood up physically to the challenges on court. The results give us a boost on the way to the Games.

"One of my personal goals is to push the team into the top 10 in the world rankings and this victory will help us achieve that."

Maggie Murray, CEO of Netball Scotland, said: "This Test series is a big milestone for Scottish netball. We have never beaten Trinidad and Tobago, before.

"The journey so far has been tough and challenging but the reason we have turned around our performance is down to the foresight and insight of our new coach, Gail Parata. We have a national team who represent their country with passion and pride.

"I'm extremely proud of every player in the squad and applaud their commitment and determination. There's talent, experience and great potential in this group of players and we have never been in better shape to compete with distinction at the highest level on the world stage."