Ross resident Ian Howell who is well known for his own sporting interests is avidly following his hockey-playing niece as she makes her debut for Wales at the Commonwealth Games.

Ian posted a message on his facebook page as the Games started. He said, “It’s going to be an awesome couple of weeks following the progress of my niece Izzie Howell, she is selected to play for Wales v India tomorrow night at the Commonwealth Games.”

Unexpectedly the Welsh won their first match, against the favourites, and Ian said, “Awesome start to the day ... Izzie Howell smashed it in #GC2018, 3-2 versus medal favourites India.”

Izzie’s proud grandparents, Geoff and Brenda Howell, who also live in Ross-on-Wye, are thrilled that their granddaughter’s commitment to hockey has paid off and she was selected for the Wales Senior Women’s Team.

Izzie, who is just 18, lives in North Wales and entered the Senior Age Group straight from the National Age Group programme in September 2017.