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THE newly-formed Celtic Dragons are flying the flag for Welsh netball in the inaugural Super League.
A new addition to the sporting calendar, the league - which has been developed by England Netball - has recruited eight teams from all over the country to take part in the new top-flight season.
 The Celtic Dragons line up alongside Leeds Met, Brunel Hurricanes, Bedsmet Mavericks, Loughborough Lightning, Northern Thunder, Team Bath and Team Northumbria.
With a mix of youth and experience at her disposal, head coach Caroline Morgan believes competing against some of the nation's most talented netballers will raise the standard of the sport in Wales by leaps and bounds.
"We're thrilled to be taking part in this exciting competition," said Morgan, whose side play the majority of their home matches at the Welsh Institute of Sport in Cardiff. "It offers a great opportunity for the team to compete at the highest level and for individuals to really raise their game.
"I hope that spectators will pick up on the buzz of the sport and take to the courts themselves.
"It's vital that we attract talent at an early age so that individuals have the opportunity to fulfil their potential."
Star centre Anna Mayes was a member of the Welsh team that finished in eighth place in the Commonwealth Games after losing to South Africa 46-42 in Melbourne.
The 25-year-old lecturer at Uwic in Cardiff feels the new league has improved standards.
"Our players are in different teams in the league and the quality of netball has certainly risen," she said. "Teams we have played again later in the season have noticed how we have improved as the season has gone on. "Results have improved and it is the standard we want to play. It's a big step up from club to internationals, so it is serving a really good purpose." The league season started in October last year and will come to a climax in May.
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