Tuesday, 26 May 2009
Monday, 25 May 2009
Mermaids v Sleaford
The U18 Mermaids played their last match of the season at Colwyn Bay Rugby Club in glorious Bank Holiday sunshine. This set the tone for the day’s rugby. The match was a poignant affair as some of the girls who have played in the team together since the inception of girl’s rugby at CBRFC in 2005 have now become of age and move on to senior level rugby.
Sleaford were enjoying a tour of North Wales. As one of the coaches put it, their stay in Wales had long days and late nights - in other words it would appear they had enjoyed their tour.
It became a special day of entertaining rugby. The first ten minutes saw close quarter skirmishes as both teams sought to shake off their nerves and sluggish legs. There was to and fro movement between the 22 metre lines. The Mermaids were the first to get a scoring chance with a penalty far to the left - outside Sleaford 22. Ellen Jones (Mwsh) failed the difficult kick. Sleaford fought their way to the Mermaids 22 with the kick off. The first try of the match resulted from this foray. The Mermaids won the breakdown within their own 22; the forwards combining with the backs, when well timed passes, going beautifully to hand, ended with Charlotte Pirie at the wing going over for a try at the Club House end. Mwsh had left her kicking boots at home and the conversion went awry.
Sleaford came back strongly. No quarter was asked or given. There were some strong attacking displays of back and forward play from both teams. Elin Lloyd Jones in the pink jersey was in the thick of it with some wonderful carries. Initially, the Mermaids were possibly too ambitious in playing a passing game against determined and feisty Sleaford forwards. Once they found a balance between ball retention and controlled passing, the game slowly swung their way. The breakdowns were crucial. The Sleaford girls were very handy at the rucks turning the ball over, sometimes seemingly against all odds. The Mermaids usually holding their own in the ruck, mauls and scrums against heavier opposition before now, had to change their game. They did. The forwards attacked the Sleaford inside three quarters and quick ball was found. They moved the ball with some beautiful angled running before releasing the wings. Once the key was found to break the Sleaford defence, the Mermaids played a game of very entertaining running rugby. Sleaford, two tries adrift started chasing the score putting together some well run attacks themselves. This made for glorious Bank Holiday ‘sunshine’ rugby.
For the Mermaids, this was one of the best team efforts seen this season. They communicated well. The leadership of Sarah Johnston and Anna Parkin was strong, leading the pack and the backs respectively. In the loose the team played well together but good calls and decision making by Abi Beards and Kumari Tilakawardane, the latter making a comeback after a long period of injury, made a big difference to the decisions.
The forwards performed well. The line outs came back to be a strong feature after disappearing in the last few matches. Intelligent line out calls, plenty of variety, with front peels and throws to the back in equal measure, good timing between the throwers, jumpers and lifting pods gave them the edge to carry battle to the opposition half. This was backed with some good kicking by Anna Parkin and Mwsh Jones finding touch to relieve pressure. ‘Well done’ to the line out units comprising Sarah Johnston, Mwsh Jones, Emma Beaumont, Cara Bryan, Bethan Lloyd Jones and Kumari Tilakawardane.
The scrums held their own against a possibly heavier set of Sleaford forwards. Quick strikes at the scrum by Sarah Johnston and with Abi Beards combining well with Anna Parkin at fly half, saw the ball to safety in defence and over the gain line in attack.
In defence Emma Beaumont carried on the good back row work she has taken on this season.
The team effort was completed with the speed of Charlotte Pirie and the tenacity and evasion of Ellie Jones.
Sleaford mounted a strong opposition but this was not their day. They played well together continuing to attack when a chance was given before injury brought the match to a premature close.
The good news at the end was that Ellie Jones who had to be ambulanced away with a suspected neck injury is well and looking forward to carrying on next season. So too are those Mermaids staying behind to fight another season.
Final score: Mermaids 36 Sleaford 0
Tries: Charlotte Pirie (3), Sarah Johnston, Ellen (Mwsh) Jones, Ellie Jones
Conversions: Ellen ‘Mwsh’ Jones (3)
Sleaford were enjoying a tour of North Wales. As one of the coaches put it, their stay in Wales had long days and late nights - in other words it would appear they had enjoyed their tour.
It became a special day of entertaining rugby. The first ten minutes saw close quarter skirmishes as both teams sought to shake off their nerves and sluggish legs. There was to and fro movement between the 22 metre lines. The Mermaids were the first to get a scoring chance with a penalty far to the left - outside Sleaford 22. Ellen Jones (Mwsh) failed the difficult kick. Sleaford fought their way to the Mermaids 22 with the kick off. The first try of the match resulted from this foray. The Mermaids won the breakdown within their own 22; the forwards combining with the backs, when well timed passes, going beautifully to hand, ended with Charlotte Pirie at the wing going over for a try at the Club House end. Mwsh had left her kicking boots at home and the conversion went awry.
Sleaford came back strongly. No quarter was asked or given. There were some strong attacking displays of back and forward play from both teams. Elin Lloyd Jones in the pink jersey was in the thick of it with some wonderful carries. Initially, the Mermaids were possibly too ambitious in playing a passing game against determined and feisty Sleaford forwards. Once they found a balance between ball retention and controlled passing, the game slowly swung their way. The breakdowns were crucial. The Sleaford girls were very handy at the rucks turning the ball over, sometimes seemingly against all odds. The Mermaids usually holding their own in the ruck, mauls and scrums against heavier opposition before now, had to change their game. They did. The forwards attacked the Sleaford inside three quarters and quick ball was found. They moved the ball with some beautiful angled running before releasing the wings. Once the key was found to break the Sleaford defence, the Mermaids played a game of very entertaining running rugby. Sleaford, two tries adrift started chasing the score putting together some well run attacks themselves. This made for glorious Bank Holiday ‘sunshine’ rugby.
For the Mermaids, this was one of the best team efforts seen this season. They communicated well. The leadership of Sarah Johnston and Anna Parkin was strong, leading the pack and the backs respectively. In the loose the team played well together but good calls and decision making by Abi Beards and Kumari Tilakawardane, the latter making a comeback after a long period of injury, made a big difference to the decisions.
The forwards performed well. The line outs came back to be a strong feature after disappearing in the last few matches. Intelligent line out calls, plenty of variety, with front peels and throws to the back in equal measure, good timing between the throwers, jumpers and lifting pods gave them the edge to carry battle to the opposition half. This was backed with some good kicking by Anna Parkin and Mwsh Jones finding touch to relieve pressure. ‘Well done’ to the line out units comprising Sarah Johnston, Mwsh Jones, Emma Beaumont, Cara Bryan, Bethan Lloyd Jones and Kumari Tilakawardane.
The scrums held their own against a possibly heavier set of Sleaford forwards. Quick strikes at the scrum by Sarah Johnston and with Abi Beards combining well with Anna Parkin at fly half, saw the ball to safety in defence and over the gain line in attack.
In defence Emma Beaumont carried on the good back row work she has taken on this season.
The team effort was completed with the speed of Charlotte Pirie and the tenacity and evasion of Ellie Jones.
Sleaford mounted a strong opposition but this was not their day. They played well together continuing to attack when a chance was given before injury brought the match to a premature close.
The good news at the end was that Ellie Jones who had to be ambulanced away with a suspected neck injury is well and looking forward to carrying on next season. So too are those Mermaids staying behind to fight another season.
Final score: Mermaids 36 Sleaford 0
Tries: Charlotte Pirie (3), Sarah Johnston, Ellen (Mwsh) Jones, Ellie Jones
Conversions: Ellen ‘Mwsh’ Jones (3)
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Presentations 2008 - 2009
The presentations were made by Jon Shaw, Honorary Secretary at CBRFC, who was instrumental in setting up girls rugby at Colwyn Bay following a conversation with Joely Benton in 2005. Joely, a former Mermaids captain, was unable to attend for the match or presentation.
Retiring Mermaids:
Joely Benton (not present at ceremony)
Anna Parkin
Sarah Johnston
Ellen Jones (Mwsh)
Honorary Mermaids:
Elin Lloyd Jones
Bethan Lloyd Jones
Players player:
Anna Parkin
Coach's player:
Abi Beards
Most improved player:
Ellen Jones (Mwsh)
Ellen Jones (Mwsh)
3 more awards were made:
Fastest player to reach the side of 2 handsome rugby players:
Kumari Tilakawardane
Award for acting surprised to be presented with awards (after being presented with the same awards a week earlier by aforementioned handsome rugby players):
Anna Parkin & Abi Beards
(See pictures below for proof.)
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Mermaids come down with a case of Scarlets fever!
Colwyn Bay U18 Mermaids were invited to Parc y Scarlets to meet some of the players and watch the end of season clash with Ulster on Saturday. Not all the team could attend due to other commitments so the invitation was extended to those Gogledd Cymru U18s who have shown exceptional commitment to training this season.
The girls were welcomed into the training barn by Kate Jenkins and Jon Daniels and introduced to star players Regan King and Jonathan Davies, who were happy to pose with the girls and also take part in some important presentations – more on this subject next week!
After this excitement the girls entered the new stadium and took their seats – but only for a short time, as they were called pitchside to take part in the pre-match parade, which they all enjoyed.
Following this excitement there was more excitement to come as the Scarlets took on Ulster with a convincing 43-17 win. Tries were scored for the Scarlets by Daniel Evans, Dominic Day, Lee Williams, Darren Daniel, Martin Roberts and David Lyons, with conversions (5) by Rhys Priestland plus a penalty.
Following the excitement the girls slept all the way home!
The trip was arranged partly as a thank you to the girls for their efforts over the season and also as a means of player education. We feel it is important for the girls to see top class rugby whenever possible to enable them to move further forward in their own rugby careers. The Scarlets are a good help in this with their cash-back scheme, whereby groups of 20 or more get half the ticket price refunded to their club or organisation, therefore making professional rugby more affordable.
Many thanks to Gareth Jenkins, Jon Daniels, Kate Jenkins, Regan King and Jonathan Davies for the hospitality offered. Also thanks to Brian Roberts, Chairman CBRFC and Bryn Williams (CBRFC) for arranging transport to enable the girls to travel to Llanelli.
Friday, 1 May 2009
Presentations
As several of you cannot make it on the 10th (or at least be there at the same time) we have decided to do the U18 Mermaids end of season (and end of an era) presentations after our last match on May 24th.
If you are free on the 10th come along for the funday and barbecue though.
If you are free on the 10th come along for the funday and barbecue though.
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