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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
