Rugby

Elen goes over for World Cup try

DOLGELLAU Ladies RFC full back Elen Evans is making her mark in the 2010 Womens World Cup Rugby Tournament, held at the Surrey Sports Park, Guilford.
Elen, who has been in the international wilderness for a couple of seasons had a late call-up to the squad, and was delighted to be back in the international frame.
“It was not going to be easy for the commentators, with three Evans in the squad. All three of us are of similar physique, and we’re all pretty small, so it might have been be hard to make us all out,” said Elen.
The versatile back admits her fortunes have turned quickly in the past 12 months. A year ago she wasn’t even thinking of playing in the World Cup, but a successful campaign in the Regional Championship with the Scarlets put her in contention.
She missed out on the original initial selection for the squad, but was one of the lucky ones to make the final cut when the final four squad places were confirmed.
“Twelve months ago I wouldn’t have even been looking to get back into rugby at this level, if someone had come to me and said I would be playing in the opening game of the World Cup I would have just shrugged it off,” she commented.
Elen didn’t disappoint, playing in different positions throughout the tournament.
However, it was always going to be hard against both the physical and strong southern hemisphere women’s teams.
Unfortunately the Welsh Ladies didn’t progress beyond the group losing to Australia 12-26, South Africa 10-15 and New Zealand 41-8. Elen did, however, get the Welsh team’s try against South Africa.
New Zealand are still on course to fulfil their ambitions of being crowned World champions, but Wales are now targeting a best-possible finish of ninth in the two play-off rounds they negotiate. They face Sweden, South Africa and Kazakhstan.
It will soon, however, be back to reality when Elen’s team, Dolgellau Ladies, entertain many of the Welsh squad on the Marian. The Meirionnydd Ladies won their league last season and they are now in the top flight, which will bring the major South Wales teams and their internationals north to the Mawddach Valley.