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.
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