Wales began brightly with a 24-12 win over Kenya who had recently taken part in the World Rugby qualifiers. Wales then suffered a 24-7 defeat against a very strong Russian side before cutting loose against Georgia to record a comfortable 43-7 triumph.
In their final game of the day, despite putting up a brave display Ireland eventually ran out 31-5 winners.
“Today has been a real team effort from the girls,” said Wales Sevens coach, Richie Pugh. “Some of the play in patches was some of the best sevens the girls have played since I’ve been involved.
“Everyone has played their part from Keira Bevan who is only 17 years old and Jasmine Joyce who is another newcomer to the team along with Melissa Clay who was picked up from the Talent ID day.
“The likes of Rachel Taylor, Adi Taviner and Dyddgu Hywel also performed well so it really has been a genuine team effort across the board.
“There are clear signs of progress and the girls are understanding the game better so we’re going into the Plate semi-finals in a confident frame of mind,” he added.
Wales Women’s Sevens squad for Dubai
Keira Bevan (Skewen /Ospreys)
Rafiuke Taylor (Pontyclun /Blues)
Melissa Clay (Pencoed /Ospreys)
Amy Day (Llandaf/Dragons)
Sioned Harries (Whitland/Scarlet’s)
Laurie Harries (Llandaf/Blues)
Jasmine Joyce (Haverdford West /Cardiff Met/ Scarlets)
Elinor Snowsill (Bristol/Dragons)
Adi Taviner (Skewen/Ospreys)
Rachel Taylor (Bristol/Dragons)
Sian Williams (Worcester/Dragons)
Dyddgu Hywel (Pontyclun/Scarlets