Scottish Thistles can shine at the netball World Cup, says star

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Biggar’s Emily Nicholl says the netball World Cup is a great chance for Scottish Thistles to shine on the biggest stage.But it’s also a chance to earn a contract for next season in the top leagues.The eyes of the netball world will be on the event in South Africa, and it’s a chance to prove how good they are.Tamsin Greenway takes her 12-strong squad to Cape Town today (Thursday) for preparations ahead of their opener against Malawi on July 28, with Pool B games against Barbados and England to follow.Nicholl, 29, said: “There are lots of us in the squad who have been to a major championship, but only a few of us have been to a World Cup.“What’s different about a World Cup is that it’s all about netball – it’s not inter-sport, so there are no distractions and it’s very much about what happens on the netball court.“It’s a totally different focus, but it really puts our sport on the forefront, and it’s great attention to try and raise the profile of the sport.“For every country, this is the one they want to win, this is the one where they want to deliver.“You know you’re going to have to bring your absolute ‘A’ game if you want to achieve anything.“It’s a great opportunity to show what we can do.

Everyone in the netball world will tune in, everyone’s going to be watching, so this is your time to get noticed, to put your country’s style on the map and, individually, to shine.“The contracting period will still be open, so all the different leagues are still going to be looking to pick up players, and this really is the moment to shine for everyone.“It’s about stepping up to that pressure and performing.”The netball World Cup runs until the final on August 6, and Nicholl can’t believe it’s just around the corner.She said: “We