Sorry for the long delay in updating the blog but as you know I have been dealing with some very sad happenings lately.
Short notice but bagpacking is going on at ASDA Llandudno on Monday and Tuesday from 9am to 9pm. We are expected to turn up for as many sessions as we can manage. Don't forget - this is how the club manages to fund such things as transport, food and laundry etc so we need to help as much as possible.
Friday, 19 December 2008
Monday, 24 November 2008
Tracksuits
The tracksuits have arrived girls! I will bring them on Thursday but you will only get yours if you have fully paid.
Monday, 17 November 2008
U18 Mermaids V Pwllheli
Score: Mermaids 20 – Pwllheli 0
Originally the U18 Mermaids fixture was planned against Ysgol Botwrnog, with the help of Ellie Wynn Jones. Pwllheli agreed to fill the breach as the school were unable to raise an U18 team. We are grateful to Ellie Wynn Jones and the coaching staff at Pwllheli, Sian and Linda, for organising this planned practice fixture.
The Mermaids were joined by sisters Bethan and Elin Lloyd Jones from Bangor rugby club, Ellie Jones, Cara Smith and Kelly Staples from Oswestry rugby club and Eluned Rogers from Ruthin RFC.
Gemma Tilyard and Ellie Rawicki in the first half and Kelly Staples and Ellie Jones in the second half were loaned to Pwllheli who were also joined by a few girls from Ysgol Botwrnog to make for a more reasonable 15 a side game. This helped to fulfil partly the objectives of the journey, to train together and play a mixed squad which would help develop the game and individual players in North Wales.
There appeared to be sufficient pride in the jerseys to make for a feisty and passionate encounter.
The first half belonged to the Mermaids who stormed from the kick off to camp almost exclusively in the Pwllheli half, launching wave upon wave of their now trade mark style of phased play from rucks and mauls. They have also managed to develop speed amongst the backs which helped them spread the attack wide when necessary. Four tries resulted. None of them were converted.
The second half began much the same way the first ended with the Mermaids foraging into the Pwllheli half. However, unnecessary penalties and dropped balls saw them squander scoring opportunities on the Pwllheli try line. Pwllheli changed tactics using long range kicks to get out of their half. They were eventually rewarded spending the last 10 minutes or so of the match close to the Mermaids try line. However the Mermaids survived some anxious moments, and some detained and fierce tackling saw them keep a clean sheet at the end.
Sisters Bethan and Elin Lloyd Jones had en excellent game, complementing the Mermaids forwards, with some fine clearing and rucking at the breakdowns and carrying the ball past the gain line many times. All the forwards had good games with Emma Beaumont, Sarah Johnston, Kumari Tilakawardane, and Joely Benton doing well as always. It was particularly rewarding to see Gemma Tilyard gaining in confidence and showing a fine display of tackling and ball carrying and to see Eluned Rogers gelling well with the forwards. Eluned had an exceptional game amongst an unfamiliar squad and should be a name to watch out for in the future. Another newcomer to rugby, Cara Smith from Oswestry gave a superb account of herself in the second row, again a name to be followed in the future.
Amongst the backs Elin Royle played with the assurance and élan that we have come to expect of her at full back. She collected the high ball with ease and glided well past the Pwllheli attackers time and again. She was unfortunate to be deemed to have knocked the ball on close to the try line, the referee being momentarily unsighted. All the backs performed well as a unit with good support and communication keeping the ball alive and joining in with the forwards to keep momentum. Abi Beards, Loz McGee, Ellie Jones had good games with ball in hand and tackling. Anna Parkin marshalled her backs well. Sian Williams had many breaks into the opposition two ending in tries.
In a good team it is difficult to pikc a player of the match for the side but it would be fair that Eluned Rogers and Cara Smith, having very good games on their debuts, should share the accolade.
The Pwllheli girls played well together and showed that they are used to playing together. There is talent in abundance in Pwllheli and they will become even more formidable with match experience.
Certainly the way ahead to develop girls’ rugby in the region has been forged. Thanks are due to the management of Ysgol Botwrnog, Pwllheli, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Oswestry and Ruthin rugby clubs for their support. Today the planned joint training sessions did not take place. Maybe in the days to come, combined training sessions would be a more comfortable place for all club squads to visit, setting alight the talent that is available in the region for Gogledd and Welsh squads.
Tries were scored by: Sian Williams (2), Anna Parkin, Joely Benton.
Score: Mermaids 20 – Pwllheli 0
Originally the U18 Mermaids fixture was planned against Ysgol Botwrnog, with the help of Ellie Wynn Jones. Pwllheli agreed to fill the breach as the school were unable to raise an U18 team. We are grateful to Ellie Wynn Jones and the coaching staff at Pwllheli, Sian and Linda, for organising this planned practice fixture.
The Mermaids were joined by sisters Bethan and Elin Lloyd Jones from Bangor rugby club, Ellie Jones, Cara Smith and Kelly Staples from Oswestry rugby club and Eluned Rogers from Ruthin RFC.
Gemma Tilyard and Ellie Rawicki in the first half and Kelly Staples and Ellie Jones in the second half were loaned to Pwllheli who were also joined by a few girls from Ysgol Botwrnog to make for a more reasonable 15 a side game. This helped to fulfil partly the objectives of the journey, to train together and play a mixed squad which would help develop the game and individual players in North Wales.
There appeared to be sufficient pride in the jerseys to make for a feisty and passionate encounter.
The first half belonged to the Mermaids who stormed from the kick off to camp almost exclusively in the Pwllheli half, launching wave upon wave of their now trade mark style of phased play from rucks and mauls. They have also managed to develop speed amongst the backs which helped them spread the attack wide when necessary. Four tries resulted. None of them were converted.
The second half began much the same way the first ended with the Mermaids foraging into the Pwllheli half. However, unnecessary penalties and dropped balls saw them squander scoring opportunities on the Pwllheli try line. Pwllheli changed tactics using long range kicks to get out of their half. They were eventually rewarded spending the last 10 minutes or so of the match close to the Mermaids try line. However the Mermaids survived some anxious moments, and some detained and fierce tackling saw them keep a clean sheet at the end.
Sisters Bethan and Elin Lloyd Jones had en excellent game, complementing the Mermaids forwards, with some fine clearing and rucking at the breakdowns and carrying the ball past the gain line many times. All the forwards had good games with Emma Beaumont, Sarah Johnston, Kumari Tilakawardane, and Joely Benton doing well as always. It was particularly rewarding to see Gemma Tilyard gaining in confidence and showing a fine display of tackling and ball carrying and to see Eluned Rogers gelling well with the forwards. Eluned had an exceptional game amongst an unfamiliar squad and should be a name to watch out for in the future. Another newcomer to rugby, Cara Smith from Oswestry gave a superb account of herself in the second row, again a name to be followed in the future.
Amongst the backs Elin Royle played with the assurance and élan that we have come to expect of her at full back. She collected the high ball with ease and glided well past the Pwllheli attackers time and again. She was unfortunate to be deemed to have knocked the ball on close to the try line, the referee being momentarily unsighted. All the backs performed well as a unit with good support and communication keeping the ball alive and joining in with the forwards to keep momentum. Abi Beards, Loz McGee, Ellie Jones had good games with ball in hand and tackling. Anna Parkin marshalled her backs well. Sian Williams had many breaks into the opposition two ending in tries.
In a good team it is difficult to pikc a player of the match for the side but it would be fair that Eluned Rogers and Cara Smith, having very good games on their debuts, should share the accolade.
The Pwllheli girls played well together and showed that they are used to playing together. There is talent in abundance in Pwllheli and they will become even more formidable with match experience.
Certainly the way ahead to develop girls’ rugby in the region has been forged. Thanks are due to the management of Ysgol Botwrnog, Pwllheli, Colwyn Bay, Bangor, Oswestry and Ruthin rugby clubs for their support. Today the planned joint training sessions did not take place. Maybe in the days to come, combined training sessions would be a more comfortable place for all club squads to visit, setting alight the talent that is available in the region for Gogledd and Welsh squads.
Tries were scored by: Sian Williams (2), Anna Parkin, Joely Benton.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Sunday's plan
The coach will be leaving Colwyn Bay RFC at 11am to go to Pwllheli. The coach will be making a stop in Bangor to pick up some of you. We are having a joint training session and then playing a friendly match against a combined team from Ysgol Botwrnog/Pwllheli.
Sunday, 9 November 2008
Next match
We are playing Ysgol Botwrnog next Sunday at Pwllheli RFC. Will give you details of coach pick up times on Wednesday or Thursday.
Thursday, 6 November 2008
Tracksuit update
The tracksuits may be ready in a week or so - make sure you have paid the full price or you will have to wait.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Sunday, 2 November 2008
Training
Very disappointing turn out at training today. We will have to reconsider the numbers for the tour - no commitment, no tour.
Saturday, 18 October 2008
Tour and fundraising
We need to seriously start fundraising now to book our flight tickets to Rome - I estimate we need at least £100 per person so if we don't do any joint fundraising you will all have to raise this amount yourselves. Louis & I cannot do all the thinking here - you girls need to start organising things as well. Start thinking girls.
Update
No training tomorrow as most of you will be playing for Gogledd Cymru in the afternoon.
Next Thursday there is no pitch available to train at the club as there is a women's match being played on pitch 2 so Eirias Arena has been booked for training. However, those who come to Bangor for training on Wednesday (7pm) can skip training on Thurday and go along to support the Colwyn Bay women's team - we will tell you more tomorrow.
Next Thursday there is no pitch available to train at the club as there is a women's match being played on pitch 2 so Eirias Arena has been booked for training. However, those who come to Bangor for training on Wednesday (7pm) can skip training on Thurday and go along to support the Colwyn Bay women's team - we will tell you more tomorrow.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
Mermaids V Waterloo
U18 Mermaids V Waterloo
Final score: Mermaids 54 - Waterloo 7
The U18 Mermaids welcomed old friends Waterloo to Brookfield Drive on a sunny Sunday afternoon (a welcome change from the recent torrential rain!). The Mermaids were joined by guest players from Pwllheli, Nant and Oswestry – the Oswestry girls later changed shirts to bolster the Waterloo team.
The match began with Waterloo in attacking mood launching ferocious assaults on the team in pink. The Mermaids looked anxious and unsettled but the defence held. Turn over ball passed quickly through the hands resulted in a try by Jane Owen. This settled the Mermaids and they played with more authority. They played the game they had become good at of retaining the ball over many phases before releasing players over the try line. Charlotte Pirie from Pwllheli, playing in the pink shirt for the first time showed significant speed to score the second try. Tries followed at regular intervals.
Waterloo put in many good efforts but valiant defending by the girls in pink frustrated them. In the second half Waterloo put in a period of sustained pressure, staying in the Mermaid 22 for a prolonged period and were rewarded by a well constructed try under the post. However, this was the only success they were to have today as the Mermaid defence held and managed to increase the score by further tries.
The Mermaids were led by the new captain for the season Sarah Johnston. She has continued in splendid form this season and displayed new found vigour, celebrating her call to the Welsh under 20 squad. She proved a sterling asset in the scrums. She, and in her absence Ellen Jones won virtually every scrum to deny Waterloo balls at the scrum.
The Mermaids did well to push and dominate the heavier Waterloo pack. In the loose Emma Beaumont continued to excel in the back row. All the forwards played well together to harass Waterloo when they attacked and claiming the ball at the breakdown.
The backs found new vigour with the vision and darting breaks of Sian Williams with support from speedy wings, which meant that when the ball was released wide that the Mermaids gained ground with ease. Elin Royle had an excellent game as full back, coping well when Waterloo tested her with high ball - she did better than cope, turning these into attack with some fine running from the back. She created many tries and was herself rewarded with a try from these efforts.
The score line does not reflect the attacking play of Waterloo, more it is a testament to the Mermaids superb defence. It was not to be Waterloo’s day. Surely they will return to avenge this one that got away in the near future.
Tries:
Abi Beards – 2
Emma Beaumont – 1
Sian Williams – 1
Charlotte Pirie (borrowed player) – 2
Jane Owen – 1 try, 2 conversions
Elin Royle (borrowed player) – 2
Elan Jones (borrowed player) - 1
Waterloo – 1 converted try
Final score: Mermaids 54 - Waterloo 7
The U18 Mermaids welcomed old friends Waterloo to Brookfield Drive on a sunny Sunday afternoon (a welcome change from the recent torrential rain!). The Mermaids were joined by guest players from Pwllheli, Nant and Oswestry – the Oswestry girls later changed shirts to bolster the Waterloo team.
The match began with Waterloo in attacking mood launching ferocious assaults on the team in pink. The Mermaids looked anxious and unsettled but the defence held. Turn over ball passed quickly through the hands resulted in a try by Jane Owen. This settled the Mermaids and they played with more authority. They played the game they had become good at of retaining the ball over many phases before releasing players over the try line. Charlotte Pirie from Pwllheli, playing in the pink shirt for the first time showed significant speed to score the second try. Tries followed at regular intervals.
Waterloo put in many good efforts but valiant defending by the girls in pink frustrated them. In the second half Waterloo put in a period of sustained pressure, staying in the Mermaid 22 for a prolonged period and were rewarded by a well constructed try under the post. However, this was the only success they were to have today as the Mermaid defence held and managed to increase the score by further tries.
The Mermaids were led by the new captain for the season Sarah Johnston. She has continued in splendid form this season and displayed new found vigour, celebrating her call to the Welsh under 20 squad. She proved a sterling asset in the scrums. She, and in her absence Ellen Jones won virtually every scrum to deny Waterloo balls at the scrum.
The Mermaids did well to push and dominate the heavier Waterloo pack. In the loose Emma Beaumont continued to excel in the back row. All the forwards played well together to harass Waterloo when they attacked and claiming the ball at the breakdown.The backs found new vigour with the vision and darting breaks of Sian Williams with support from speedy wings, which meant that when the ball was released wide that the Mermaids gained ground with ease. Elin Royle had an excellent game as full back, coping well when Waterloo tested her with high ball - she did better than cope, turning these into attack with some fine running from the back. She created many tries and was herself rewarded with a try from these efforts.
The score line does not reflect the attacking play of Waterloo, more it is a testament to the Mermaids superb defence. It was not to be Waterloo’s day. Surely they will return to avenge this one that got away in the near future.
Tries:
Abi Beards – 2
Emma Beaumont – 1
Sian Williams – 1
Charlotte Pirie (borrowed player) – 2
Jane Owen – 1 try, 2 conversions
Elin Royle (borrowed player) – 2
Elan Jones (borrowed player) - 1
Waterloo – 1 converted try
Thursday, 9 October 2008
Training tonight
Good turn out for training tonight girls - I don't know if it's because of the matches coming up or the thought of going to Rome on tour that's spurring you on but keep it up!
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
Congratulations
Sarah Johnston has been selected for the Wales U20 squad following trials in Cardiff last Saturday.
Joely Benton and Anna Parkin have been asked to trial again in the future.
Well done to all of you.
Joely Benton and Anna Parkin have been asked to trial again in the future.
Well done to all of you.
Sunday, 5 October 2008
Update
Now you all know where and when we are going on tour! We need to do loads of fundraising between now and then. Also some players need to show more committment to the team - training has been very poorly attended of late. I will be keeping a register and some of you may not get the opportunity to come on tour if you keep letting the team down.
We have a match next Sunday so maximum turn out for training on Thursday.
We have a match next Sunday so maximum turn out for training on Thursday.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Tour news
Really exciting news about our tour girls! I will tell you all on Thursday evening so make sure you're at training.
Sunday, 21 September 2008
Today's match
Mermaids/Sandbach 31-5 Caldy
The first official game of the season for the Mermaids was on a very hot Sunday afternoon at home against Caldy. Sandbach joined forces with the Colwyn Bay Mermaids to field fifteen to face the team from the Wirral. The team was nicknamed ‘Sandwyn Bay’ by the players. Joely Benton of the Mermaids suffered a recurrence of her ankle injury in the first 30 seconds and had to leave the field. This and the initial makeshift nature of the combined teams resulted in a lot of moving and shaking among the players and positions. The first 20 minutes were very scrappy and disjointed; the Mermaids and Sandbach taking time to get used to each other’s styles. Despite this, most play was in the Caldy 22, with breaks being taken for several Caldy injuries. Then after 20 minutes the pinks’ game suddenly got a lot better – they were crossing the gain line with virtually every phase and the supporting play was great. The sustained pressure was rewarded with Mermaids’ Captain for the day Anna Parkin scoring a well worked try out wide; Jane Owen added the conversion. This revitalised the Mermaids and after several attacks on the Caldy line utility-forward Sarah Johnston danced through four tacklers to score under the posts, with another conversion by Owen.
Due to the heat a lot of fluids were taken on at half time, and the players and positions mixed and changed. Caldy came out of the blocks quickly after the break, with their player-of-the-match Trudy sprinting up the wing to score their try. This galvanised the Mermaids with the tries seemingly streaming through; Sandbach player Thea powered over the try line after the ball was run through the hands, followed by Colwyn Bay scrum-half Abi Beards coming close to scoring but offloading at the crucial moment to Emma Beaumont for her to dive under the uprights which was converted by Owen. Then in the last few moments of the game Sandbach’s Naeve dodged several would-be defenders to score the final try of the game.
The match was a great success, with some great rugby being played by both sides, the match turning in the last half to a fast flowing game of entertaining rugby. The Mermaids would like to thank the Sandbach players very much for collaborating in order to field a full XV for the first time in 3 seasons! The coaches would like to give a special mention to Sarah Johnston and Emma Beaumont. Sarah as always was doing well in winning the ball in the scrum and putting in some smashing tackles and fighting for the ball in the loose. Emma Beaumont had a wonderful match making her transition from the back division into the forwards and possibly finding her position in rugby life in the back row.
The score line possibly does not do justice to Caldy who put in a sturdy performance to a more experienced unit. They should be a force to contend with in the future.
The first official game of the season for the Mermaids was on a very hot Sunday afternoon at home against Caldy. Sandbach joined forces with the Colwyn Bay Mermaids to field fifteen to face the team from the Wirral. The team was nicknamed ‘Sandwyn Bay’ by the players. Joely Benton of the Mermaids suffered a recurrence of her ankle injury in the first 30 seconds and had to leave the field. This and the initial makeshift nature of the combined teams resulted in a lot of moving and shaking among the players and positions. The first 20 minutes were very scrappy and disjointed; the Mermaids and Sandbach taking time to get used to each other’s styles. Despite this, most play was in the Caldy 22, with breaks being taken for several Caldy injuries. Then after 20 minutes the pinks’ game suddenly got a lot better – they were crossing the gain line with virtually every phase and the supporting play was great. The sustained pressure was rewarded with Mermaids’ Captain for the day Anna Parkin scoring a well worked try out wide; Jane Owen added the conversion. This revitalised the Mermaids and after several attacks on the Caldy line utility-forward Sarah Johnston danced through four tacklers to score under the posts, with another conversion by Owen.
Due to the heat a lot of fluids were taken on at half time, and the players and positions mixed and changed. Caldy came out of the blocks quickly after the break, with their player-of-the-match Trudy sprinting up the wing to score their try. This galvanised the Mermaids with the tries seemingly streaming through; Sandbach player Thea powered over the try line after the ball was run through the hands, followed by Colwyn Bay scrum-half Abi Beards coming close to scoring but offloading at the crucial moment to Emma Beaumont for her to dive under the uprights which was converted by Owen. Then in the last few moments of the game Sandbach’s Naeve dodged several would-be defenders to score the final try of the game.
The match was a great success, with some great rugby being played by both sides, the match turning in the last half to a fast flowing game of entertaining rugby. The Mermaids would like to thank the Sandbach players very much for collaborating in order to field a full XV for the first time in 3 seasons! The coaches would like to give a special mention to Sarah Johnston and Emma Beaumont. Sarah as always was doing well in winning the ball in the scrum and putting in some smashing tackles and fighting for the ball in the loose. Emma Beaumont had a wonderful match making her transition from the back division into the forwards and possibly finding her position in rugby life in the back row.
The score line possibly does not do justice to Caldy who put in a sturdy performance to a more experienced unit. They should be a force to contend with in the future.
Saturday, 20 September 2008
Show time!
First home game of the season tomorrow girls, against our friends from Sandbach. Let's make it a good one and don't forget it's Jade's birthday as well so I'll make a cake!
Hopefully all the team will be present tomorrow so I can take the team pic for the Colwyn Bay website.
Hopefully all the team will be present tomorrow so I can take the team pic for the Colwyn Bay website.
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Mermaids at the National 10s
Colwyn Bay Mermaids were the only team representing North Wales at last weekend’s National 10s Tournament. After a very early start the girls endured a gruelling journey through all the windy roads to Llandovery, which resulted in nearly everyone feeling very ill indeed!
Without even playing a game Abi Beards, one of the most experienced Mermaids players had to be taken to hospital with stomach pains. Several players were carrying injuries, but had to play as the squad was just 13 players.
The opening match was against established side Newport; sporting several former East Wales U17 players. The word was that Newport were a strong scrummaging side. The Mermaids were nervous going into the match as their scrummaging skills and the front five had no
t yet been put to the test and were hampered by injuries. However they gave a creditable display and Sarah Johnston, who has been a reluctant No 2 held her own against her opposite. Emma Beaumont scrummaged in the front row for the first time, joining Ellen (Mwsh) Jones and they held their own against the Newport front row. The Mermaids’ defence was exceptionally strong throughout the match. They were able to defend their try line time and again, preventing what would normally have been certain tries. From this defensive base Emma and Jane Owen made excellent line breaks giving Colwyn Bay the upper hand for a lot of the match. Colwyn Bay’s tries were scored by Sarah Johnston and Ellie Rawicki, with Yasmin Leung adding one conversion. There was some confusion about the score, with both teams and the spectators believing the win belonged to the Mermaids, but the referee ruled a 12-12 draw.
Jade Mills and Kumari Tilakawardane had to miss the second match against Neath through injury. The Neath game was one the Mermaids knew would be tough, the West Wales team being renowned for hard play. Colwyn Bay played hard and impressed both the opposition and the spectators, Ellen ‘Mwsh’ Jones played particularly well. The Mermaids on their own broke away twice only to be stopped close to the try line by excellent cover defence by Neath. The score at 30-0 didn’t
reflect the Mermaids’ hard work and great defence.
The final U18 game was against Cardigan, who combined with Newport to complete a team. The match was very closely fought, with some good attacking play from the Mermaids. The first half ended 10-0 to Cardigan though the Mermaids vowed to fight back and they did just that, Sarah Johnston scoring a great try under the posts just after the break. Immediately after Kumari was unlucky to be hauled down just before the try line after a fantastic break by Joely Benton.
The players all want to congratulate LozMcGee on her first rugby match, for playing so well and making several important tackles. The coach and manager’s joint players of the tournament were Anna Parkin for tackling non-stop and being constantly in support and Loz for such a fantastic debut.
After the tournament there was a regional presentation, with North Wales U18 squad members Joely Benton, Sarah Johnston, Anna Parkin, Emma Beaumont, Jane Owen, Abi Beards and Kumari Tilakawardane receiving their badges. Congratulations also to Amelia Stubbs, former U17 Mermaid, who was awarded North Wales U14 Player of the Year.
Without even playing a game Abi Beards, one of the most experienced Mermaids players had to be taken to hospital with stomach pains. Several players were carrying injuries, but had to play as the squad was just 13 players.
The opening match was against established side Newport; sporting several former East Wales U17 players. The word was that Newport were a strong scrummaging side. The Mermaids were nervous going into the match as their scrummaging skills and the front five had no
t yet been put to the test and were hampered by injuries. However they gave a creditable display and Sarah Johnston, who has been a reluctant No 2 held her own against her opposite. Emma Beaumont scrummaged in the front row for the first time, joining Ellen (Mwsh) Jones and they held their own against the Newport front row. The Mermaids’ defence was exceptionally strong throughout the match. They were able to defend their try line time and again, preventing what would normally have been certain tries. From this defensive base Emma and Jane Owen made excellent line breaks giving Colwyn Bay the upper hand for a lot of the match. Colwyn Bay’s tries were scored by Sarah Johnston and Ellie Rawicki, with Yasmin Leung adding one conversion. There was some confusion about the score, with both teams and the spectators believing the win belonged to the Mermaids, but the referee ruled a 12-12 draw.
Jade Mills and Kumari Tilakawardane had to miss the second match against Neath through injury. The Neath game was one the Mermaids knew would be tough, the West Wales team being renowned for hard play. Colwyn Bay played hard and impressed both the opposition and the spectators, Ellen ‘Mwsh’ Jones played particularly well. The Mermaids on their own broke away twice only to be stopped close to the try line by excellent cover defence by Neath. The score at 30-0 didn’t
reflect the Mermaids’ hard work and great defence.The final U18 game was against Cardigan, who combined with Newport to complete a team. The match was very closely fought, with some good attacking play from the Mermaids. The first half ended 10-0 to Cardigan though the Mermaids vowed to fight back and they did just that, Sarah Johnston scoring a great try under the posts just after the break. Immediately after Kumari was unlucky to be hauled down just before the try line after a fantastic break by Joely Benton.
The players all want to congratulate LozMcGee on her first rugby match, for playing so well and making several important tackles. The coach and manager’s joint players of the tournament were Anna Parkin for tackling non-stop and being constantly in support and Loz for such a fantastic debut.
After the tournament there was a regional presentation, with North Wales U18 squad members Joely Benton, Sarah Johnston, Anna Parkin, Emma Beaumont, Jane Owen, Abi Beards and Kumari Tilakawardane receiving their badges. Congratulations also to Amelia Stubbs, former U17 Mermaid, who was awarded North Wales U14 Player of the Year.
Sunday, 14 September 2008
North Wales champions again!
Too tired to write much now after a very long and busy day at the National 10s tournament in Llandovery. Will put match report on tomorrow.
Congratulations to both the U14 & U17 Mermaids 2007 - 2008 for being awarded North Wales Teams of the Year.
Congratulations to both the U14 & U17 Mermaids 2007 - 2008 for being awarded North Wales Teams of the Year.
Friday, 12 September 2008
Early night
Very early start on Sunday girls - 6.15 at the rugby club. Remember to bring a packed lunch.
I have printed out a new fixture list as there are some changes to the last one - no cancellations, just more games.
I have printed out a new fixture list as there are some changes to the last one - no cancellations, just more games.
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Training
Good training tonight. Good turn out - even Joely on her crutches! The girls decided Joely was dangerous with those crutches - the sooner she gets rid of them, the better. Another new member joined us tonight and said she has 3 or 4 friends who may join - we may even have enough for a full team the way we are going!
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Mermaids fixtures
Pwllheli have asked for the proposed match on 21 September to be postponed to a later date but Sandbach coincidentally asked if we were free on September 21 so now we are playing Sandbach at Colwyn Bay on 21 September. Trying to find a date for the Pwllheli match is quite difficult as, due to the increased number of regional fixtures this year, we have very few free Sundays.
Update
The coach to Llandovery is at 6.15am on Sunday I am afraid girls. Remember to bring a packed lunch.
Pwllheli have postponed the match on 21 September but there is some good news - our old friends from Sandbach want to come and play us - it won't be quite like old times as a lot of the players you have played against in the past have moved up to women's rugby but they do have some new girls to take their place.
The Pwllheli match will be played either October or November - with the extra regional matches being played this season we have very few dates available.
Training as usual on Thursday.
Pwllheli have postponed the match on 21 September but there is some good news - our old friends from Sandbach want to come and play us - it won't be quite like old times as a lot of the players you have played against in the past have moved up to women's rugby but they do have some new girls to take their place.
The Pwllheli match will be played either October or November - with the extra regional matches being played this season we have very few dates available.
Training as usual on Thursday.
Monday, 8 September 2008
Our day out
Safely back from what turned out to be an epic day. Set off at 6.45am for Builth Wells - passed several flooded areas on the way but arrived safely at the Sports Centre (after several tours round Builth's one way system) at 10am. The girls got changed and were straight on to the field to be put through their paces by some of the national and regional coaches. There were girls from various other clubs there but we were the only team from North Wales. Shortly after lunch disaster struck when one of the girls from South Wales accidentally collided with Joely, causing an ankle injury. Both players fell to the floor in pain and the physio/first aiders were quickly on the scene. Ambulances were called for both but due to a misunderstanding only one turned up initially and Joely bravely insisted that the other player (who had sustained a knee injury) should go first. All present were impressed by Joely's bravery. Eventually a second ambulance arrived and Joely set off for hospital. 
After a long journey we arrived at the local accident unit - what a nightmare - what follo
wed involved a 'kidnapping' and a motorway dash - before we arrived at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where Joely was seen, x-rayed, assessed, treated and discharged inside 2 hours - no fracture, thank goodness, just a nasty sprain. Incidentally the other casualty, Emily, left the other (unnamed hospital) at approximately the same time as us after a 7 hour wait! The time in the accident unit waiting room was very interesting, to say the least, thanks to the varied and fascinating human beings we encountered - if you want to know more, you'll have to wait for the book to be published!
Anyway, we're off to Llandovery for the National 10s next week - hope we have less drama.
After a long journey we arrived at the local accident unit - what a nightmare - what follo
wed involved a 'kidnapping' and a motorway dash - before we arrived at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd where Joely was seen, x-rayed, assessed, treated and discharged inside 2 hours - no fracture, thank goodness, just a nasty sprain. Incidentally the other casualty, Emily, left the other (unnamed hospital) at approximately the same time as us after a 7 hour wait! The time in the accident unit waiting room was very interesting, to say the least, thanks to the varied and fascinating human beings we encountered - if you want to know more, you'll have to wait for the book to be published!Anyway, we're off to Llandovery for the National 10s next week - hope we have less drama.
Saturday, 6 September 2008
Builth Wells - update
Just had call from WRU - tomorrow is going ahead so early night and don't forget your packed lunch!
Friday, 5 September 2008
Builth Wells
Our trip to Builth Wells may be foiled by the weather - heavy flooding apparently (I seem to remember a deluge last time we were down there with the North Wales squads). Will hear tomorrow and let you all know what is happening.
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
National 10s
We are entering for the National 10s in Llandovery on Sunday 14 September. The regional presentations will take place after the competition so it's important that we go - another early Sunday start I'm afraid - hopefully you'll all have an early night on the Saturday (as if).
Monday, 1 September 2008
Rugby development/fun day
There will be free rugby develpoment/fun day at Eirias Arena, Colwyn Bay on Sunday 28 September from 10 - 4 pm. Lunch will be provided and the coaches will also be looking for potential new players for the Gogledd Cymru squad on the day - pass the message along and encourage all the girls you meet to come along.
Sunday, 31 August 2008
New season
Registration day and first training today. Unfortunately several players were missing due to various reasons but we welcomed 3 new players today and hope to encourage more girls to join us in the near future. We have quite a full calendar of games and tournaments coming up and those who get selected for Gogledd Cymru will be even busier. Training is on Thursdays at 6.45pm and Sundays at 10.45 am, unless we are away for matches.
Friday, 22 August 2008
New season
Registration day at Colwyn Bay is Sunday 31 August - 10.45. Don't forget your money - £25 for junior members, £50 family membership. If you don't pay, you are not covered by insurance and cannot train.
There will be a Rugby Development Day on Sunday 28 September, possibly at Eirias Arena - we will discuss this when we next see you.
There will be a Rugby Development Day on Sunday 28 September, possibly at Eirias Arena - we will discuss this when we next see you.
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
Ready for the start of the new season - got the kit, equipment, manager, coach - just need a team now!
It's going to be tough to find games this season as so many teams have now disbanded but we'll try our best to carry on and keep the team together. First games already arranged and on the website: www.colwynbayrugby.co.uk
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