Tyldesley 5 - Mermaids 20

The U18 Mermaids travelled over the border to Liverpool St Helens RUFC after Tyldesley's original opponents cancelled their planned match. It was the first time the girls had pulled on the famous pink shirts for 23 weeks and indeed 19 weeks since they had played any competitive rugby at regional or club level. At such short notice only 11 players were available, with one rising from her sickbed to travel with her compatriots. Loz McGee was Captain for this encounter, with Gwen Harries as Vice Captain.
From the first whistle it was clear the girls had lost none of their flair or competitive edge. In fact Tyldesley were put immediately under the cosh as Bay attacked relentelessly with some excellent link play between the backs and with excellent support play from the forwards. The first try was scored by Gwen Harries under the posts and from then on the Mermaids managed to score three more adventurously constructed and perfectly executed tries - a second from Harries and a further two by Cara Hope (though Paige Davies also had her hands on the ball) and scrum half Kaya Harding.
As the game progressed the Colwyn Bay girls grew more and more adventurous and began putting together some advanced and intricate moves that time and again allowed them to break the gain line. Towards the end of the game Tyldesley began putting some phases together and were richly rewarded with a try of their own by Jenny Carney.
Colwyn Bay Mermaids overcame their long absence from the game with a fantastic display of attacking, defensive and support play. The coaching team were so impressed with the entire team display that each and every player was awarded the player of the match award.
Todays team:
Loz McGee (Captain)
Gwen Harries (Vice Captain)
Kumari Tilakawardane
Kaya Harding
Paige Davies
Cara Hope
Bethan Lloyd Jones
Elin Royle
Amelia Stubbs
Alaw Hughes
Iona Evans