Netball World Cup showing 'just the beginning' for Scottish Thistle squad, says Emily Nicholl

Emily Nicholl says finishing 10th at the netball World Cup is only the beginning for this group of Scottish Thistles stars on the world stage.

Nicholl, from Biggar, was vice-captain of the 12 who competed well at the tournament in Cape Town, beating Barbados and Fiji in group games, before losing 57-42 against Wales in their ninth/10th-place play-off.

But the Scots did well against Australia and England in group games, losing only 76-37 and 62-37, respectively, and beat Barbados (53-44) and Fiji (62-46) to take points in South Africa.

That Australia beat England 61-45 on Sunday to win the tournament speaks volumes for how well the Scots did, leaving Nicholl proud.

It’s their best finish at a Netball World Cup since 1994, and Nicholl told the Advertiser: “I think it’s the first time in 29 years or something that we finished inside the top 10, so we’re really happy that we finally managed to achieve our ranking.

“For some countries they kind of think ‘job done’, but for me I think it’s the beginning for us.

“We’re such a young group that I think this really is just the start, and we can really build for the next four years.

“So many people have now been exposed to a World Cup that they know what to expect, and what’s required to play at an international level.

“It’s really intense with the scheduling, so it’s mentally and physically quite draining, but as a group we’re really connected, so it was a really positive experience, overall.

“We put out some really world-class performances at times, but it’s inconsistency that gets us.

“Even against England and Australia, I saw our young attackers put in amazing ball, and for the future that’s a really promising sign.

“It’s about recognising the potential this group have.”

Scotla