Eighteen athletes were at the University of Bath this weekend battling out for the 12 most wanted places in the England Netball Commonwealth Games Squad.

It was never go to be a baker's dozen so for those ranked 13-18, who sorely miss out on selection, it will be a time to reflect and consider that this squad choice has been one of the most difficult for coaches and selectors. The podium athletes in netball offer a diverse range of style and expertise and this squad reduction seems to have been one of the hardest calls in the history of the game.

For those who miss out there is still an opportunity to trail the preparations of other Commonwealth Games squads in the UK and compete against African and Southern Hemisphere nations to gain some valuable experience about the differing netball styles. This has to have been one of the most competitive cycles for places and I am incredibly proud of some of the athletes who have remained defiant in defeat  to go out there and put themselves on the line for a place. 

With all that said, this is about our glorious 12 who will unite in red and represent England in Glasgow. Jade Clarke, the phenomenal mid courter who has cemented her position down under in New Zealand, is to captain the side and is someone who can stand up, unite a squad and most of all, fill the spot of our legendary leader Pamela Cookey who is out through injury. Clarke's professionalism is second-to-none and she will expect nothing less from all her other team members.

The squad

Selection often feels like a chess match; it's clear some combinations on offer may have changed given the absence of Pam Cookey.

So let's start with Sara Bayman, the Manchester Thunder captain was dropped at the beginning of the season but is now vice captain for the games and now seems an athlete on top of the world and her game. It was Sara who supported her club's young stars in their Superleague Grand Final win in April to dig-deep and grind out the most dramatic of victories. It's all about what an athlete does when the so-called 'chips are down' and for me, Sara and indeed Rachel Dunn, have stood up to be counted, raised their game and now see themselves achieving what may have seemed an impossible dream.

Selection often feels like a chess match; it's clear some combinations on offer may have changed given the absence of Pam Cookey. Rosie Allison misses out and that must have been a very close call as she is a force with Cookey in the circle when competing for Bath. Without her partner I would see shooter combinations changing - perhaps matching up to opponents as the competition progresses - as  coach Anna Mayes seeks a Goal Attack replacement. This of course, will all be revealed, but the nation will be ecstatic that young hot shot Helen Housby has been called up to the squad. This may be special year for Housby but a replay of the Superleague final in Glasgow is a dream I am sure many of us will have. Housby will be well supported by the experienced athletes around her and the front line looks incredible with Jo Harten and Kadeen Corbin in the squad. Harten returns from Magic in NZ with a coveted award of MVP from the members and will no doubt be psyched up and ready to impress.

Defence

Geva Mentor is another athlete to receive an award down under and not only does she hold the coveted medal for being in the winning ANZ Vixens squad but was presented with the first Sharelle McMahon Award, given to her after an outstanding season. The England defence line up is strong and exciting with Ama Agbeze, Eboni Beckford-Chambers and Stacey Francis making up the defensive four. This defensive unit offers athleticism and the strategic power to counteract any of the top teams. Combinations and choice for the coaching staff may again be a dilemma but this can only be a positive.

There is, I'm sure, some very proud parents out there and not only can the Housby family celebrate a dream becoming reality but the Corbin family see their sister-act travelling to Glasgow. Sasha Corbin gains a place in the mid court four and will be there to service and support, not only her sister Kadeen, but the other three shooters named. Sasha has the speed and agility to leave any defence standing and I am sure she will be ready for this campaign for gold. Coupled with Sasha, the other trio in the middle will be powered and ready to cope with all the challenges posed by the top nations. Serena Guthrie seems on top of her game with the likes of Clarke and Bayman arround her, I'm sure we will see Serena at her best stealing ball off the most powerful opponents.

Combinations

Eighteen is now twelve and the selection, as mentioned, must have been difficult but that simply confirms the quality of our podium athletes. The nation will be right behind this exciting squad displaying a blend of experience and youth. Anna Mayes has endless combinations to choose from and so the preparation phase will surely focus on who, with whom, for which game?

The coaching team will be working closely on strategies for all units based upon the opponents they face. Naming the first seven will be difficult, so who would be in your starting line up in Glasgow? I look forward to your tweets @netballpundit @SkyNetball