The Orchard Welsh Premier League has two representatives in the Wales squad to face the Netherlands this weekend.
Alice Griffiths (pictured top) and Gwennan Davies have been included in the 26-player squad for the upcoming A and B team friendlies against the Dutch. The opening A team match takes place at the Sparta Stadium in Rotterdam on Saturday 8th July (3pm UK time) before an experimental B team head to the KNVB Campus in Zeist the following day at 1pm UK time. The two fixtures follow on from the recent friendlies against Portugal and will form part of Wales’ preparations for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers that start later this year.
The WPWL say that the inclusion of Griffiths and Davies (pictured right) is testament to the improving standard of the League. It also rounds-off a hugely successful season for Griffiths after she was named as the competition’s Young Player of the Year in the recent awards evening, while Davies has been called-up previously and clearly impressed to find herself back amongst the senior Wales squad this time around. It was a mixed season for Cyncoed as Fern Burrage’s side finished fifth in the table, but they claimed a few memorable scalps along the way, including a 4-1 victory over former champions Cardiff Met last November.
Although Wales missed out on qualifying for EURO 2017, they have the opportunity to test themselves against the hosts in what is sure to be another tough challenge for Ludlow and her side. However, Wales have made significant progress since the last qualifying campaign came to a close, and coming up against talented and experienced opponents like the Netherlands can only benefit the players involved. It is hoped that Griffiths and Davies can bring this professional experience back to Cyncoed and the WPWL on their return.
Source – welshpremierwomensleague.co.uk
