The Welsh Feathers completed a confidence-boosting double victory over the Zimbabwe Gems as preparations ramp up for their Celtic Cup title defence.

Wales opened the weekend with an impressive 66–39 win at Cardiff City’s House of Sport on Saturday, before returning on Sunday to secure a hard-fought 50–44 triumph.

Saturday’s match saw two exciting new additions to the senior squad, with Millie Carter and Ellie Blackwell both earning their first international caps. Leah Middleton marked her return to Feathers action from a dislocated ankle in style, claiming Player of the Match in her first appearance back on court.

On Sunday, the spotlight belonged to Georgia Rowe, who celebrated her 75th cap by taking Player of the Match honours.

Attention now turns to the Celtic Cup, which gets underway on Wednesday, 26 November. This year’s competition expands from four to six teams, welcoming two world-ranked opponents: Uganda She Cranes (world No.7) and Namibia Desert Jewels (world No.18).

Celtic Cup

Wednesday, 26 November

Uganda She Cranes v Namibia Desert Jewels 14:30

Zimbabwe Gems v Northern Ireland Warriors 17:00

Scottish Thistles v Welsh Feathers 19:30

Thursday, 27 November

Northern Ireland Warriors v Uganda She Cranes 14:30

Namibia Desert Jewels v Scottish Thistles 17:00

Welsh Feathers v Zimbabwe Gems 19:30

Friday, 28 November

Namibia Desert Jewels v Zimbabwe Gems 14:30

Welsh Feathers v Northern Ireland Warriors 17:00

Scottish Thistles v Uganda She Cranes 19:30

Saturday, 29 November

Welsh Feathers v Namibia Desert Jewels 12:30

Uganda She Cranes v Zimbabwe Gems 15:00

Northern Ireland Warriors v Scottish Thistles 17:30

Sunday, 30 November

Namibia Desert Jewels v Northern Ireland Warriors 12:30

Welsh Feathers v Uganda She Cranes 15:00

Scottish Thistles v Zimbabwe Gems 17:30

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