NETBALL ace Natalie Haythornthwaite is relishing the chance to compete at her first Commonwealth Games and is determined to prove her worth to Team England.
The versatile attacker, who was born in Keighley, was delighted to be selected for the trip to Australia.
"It's something I've dreamt about for years and to actually be able to say I am going to a Commonwealth Games is amazing," said 25-year-old Haythornthwaite.
She also expressed her admiration for her colleagues, claiming: "The amount of talent we have within the ranks at the Roses programme is incredible.
"It's great to have competition for places and everyone wanting to make that final 12 and having that competitive nature within the squad."
Haythornthwaite is sure to be picking the brains of her Wasps team-mate Jade Clarke, who has competed in the Games three times, helping England to bronze medals at Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi in 2010.
England have been drawn to play alongside New Zealand, Malawi, Wales, Scotland and Uganda in Pool B in next month's Games at Gold Coast.
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