Orkney netballer targets more caps after senior international debut

Orkney’s own Scottish international netballer Sarah MacPhail says winning her first senior caps for her country ranks up there with the best sporting moments of her career.

MacPhail, 20, made her full Scotland debut on Thursday at the Netball Europe Championship in Cardiff, playing in a world-ranking victory against Fiji — currently ranked the eighth best side in the world. She also featured in Friday’s defeat against England, a side ranked as the third best netball side in the world.

Scotland were cruelly denied a silver medal as the tournament closed on Sunday, beating Wales, before a last gasp Northern Ireland 45-46 victory meant it was the Irish who sealed second spot behind England.

Speaking on Sunday afternoon, MacPhail said the tournament had been an “amazing” experience and hoped that it was just the beginning as she targets more Scotland caps.

“Personally I was really happy with my performances when I got on. I was always really excited and raring to go. I was just honoured to be selected to be part of the team,” said MacPhail, who played Wing Defence and Goal Defence in her two caps.

MacPhail, who also represented Scotland Under-21s at the World Youth Cup in Botswana in July, said, while disappointed they missed out on second place, there was plenty of positives to take away, adding that she was determined to remain involved with the senior set-up.

Read more from Sarah MacPhail in Thursday’s The Orcadian.