CLIFTON PLAYERS HEADING FOR THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES
Later this year sees the 19th Commonwealth games, which is being held in Delhi, India. Hockey is one of 17 sports included in the games and is being held at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium between 4 - 14 October 2010, with pitch one holding over 16,000 spectators. Clifton will have a strong representation at the Commonwealth games, with the Welsh women qualifying for the first time since Kuala Lumpur in 1998, along with a couple of England players looking set to head to Delhi. The players involved from Wales are Welsh captain Carys Hopkins, Beth Fisher, Ella Rafferty, Abi Welsford, Elie Mumford, Dawn Mitchell and Leah Wilkinson, whilst Gemma Ible and Georgie Twigg are looking to be selected to represent England. Both Wales and England are drawn in pool B which also includes Malaysia, Canada and New Zealand. Wales will play the opening game of the 2010 Commonwealth games versus New Zealand on the 4th October. The 5th October sees the crunch match between Wales and England, which is bound to be one for spectators and players alike! Wales have a number of test matches throughout the summer in order to prepare thoroughly for October. These include games against France, Australia, Scotland and Ireland. Many of these will be played at the Welsh Institute of sport; spectators can come and watch these internationals free of charge. We wish all of the girls involved in the Commonwealths the best of luck and look forward to their return to the National League in late October.