23rd November '08

Macclesfield U15 – 5 Colwyn Bay Mermaids U15 – 44

There were some big splashes going on down in Macclesfield this weekend and this was not all down to the inclement weather. At short notice the Mermaids were invited to play a mixed team from Macclesfield and Glossop which gave an opportunity for some of the younger and less experienced players to be bloodied in. In the windy conditions the passing was going to have to be tight and accurate and in fairness to both teams there were very little handling errors which was a complete turnaround from the previous weekend. The first try was a well worked affair with the forwards rucking over and creating good backs ball that enabled Rachael Edwards, ably supported by Lizzy Gostage to breach the Cheshire teams’ try line. Debutant Naomi Turner excelled in her new role on the wing but despite showing true commitment in the tackle and when carrying the ball, suffered a dislocated shoulder and had to be replaced early on in the game. A second try was scored by captain Harries but some loose tackling from the Mermaids allowed the Macclesfield backs to penetrate the defence to score their sole try of the afternoon. The Mermaids tightened up their defence and despite some strong running from the hosts produced counter attacks that saw tries from Harding and Bird which took the score to 5 – 22 by the half time. Good working rates from forwards Jess Oliver and Paige Davies enabled the backs to maintain the momentum in the second half with a further brace of tries from Edwards and a solo effort from the determined Harries. The Gostage sisters combined well with Lizzy earning her first score for the Bay, streaking down the far side wing and out sprinting the Macclesfield defence. This was an all round effort from the Bay and the score line did not reflect the efforts that their hosts put in but because of the manner in which they played as a team, showing determination and commitment in securing the ball and in the tackling area, the whole team were deemed to be Mermaids of the match. Good work girls!

16th November '08

U15 Ysgol Botwrnog 17          U15 Colwyn Bay Mermaids 10

Deprived of fielding a full team due to a failure from the hosts to field sufficient numbers in their team, the Mermaids were restricted with their tactics in their back division. Despite the initial numbers problem this was always going to be a hard fought game with the tone of the game set in the opening gambit as Mermaids tackling was put to the ultimate test. Notably Mermaid of the match Ellie Roberts put in some crunching tackles, unafraid of seeking out her opposition. This spurred on other teammates to exact the same commitment notably from Gwen Harries who continually blitzed her opposite number and Jess Oliver and Emily McMullen showing equal dedication. The work rate from both packs was commendable with each showing determination resulting in some great rugby through the main channels on the pitch. First blood went to the Bay as a determined Kaya Harding danced through the Ysgol Botwrnog defence and despite three attempted tacklers clinging onto her she managed to grab a try. Ysgol Botwrnog were not allowing the Bay to romp away and checked them with a try of their own. Neither tries were converted so the half time remained even. The second half was more of the same with determined play from both sides. Due to the lack of width it was a somewhat frustrating game at times as the extra lady on the wings would have made for a more expansive game. Bay took the lead once again with Amy Bird driving over after an excellent platform from the forwards but yet again Ysgol Botwrnog retaliated with an unconverted try of the own. The match was decided in the final minute as Ysgol Botwrnog drove throve the middle of the pack and two missed tackles lead to a try between the posts which was duly converted. The Mermaids should be very proud of their commitment and despite the score the coaching staff and crowd were entertained with a truly committed show of rugby.

14th September '08

Colwyn Bay U15 Mermaids make their mark in South Wales Tournament

Llandovery played host to the ladies National 10’s tournament with teams from Cardiff Quinns, Neath, Newport, Cardigan/Furness and a sole representation from North Wales, Colwyn Bay Mermaids. Age categories were senior womens, which included some Welsh International players, U18’s and U15’s.

The U15’s Mermaids went up against Cardigan/Furness in the first game which saw the gauntlet been thrown down as a brace of tries were run in from both Kaya Harding and Gwen Harries. This was a hard fought game and it took a little time for the cobwebs to be blown away from the marathon trek to Llandovery, before the tone was set for the remains of the day. Of particular note during this first game, other than the gap busting forays from the 2 try scorers were the mammoth performances from Jess Oliver and co forwards, Amelia Stubbs (debut), Paige Davies and Emily McMullen. The final score in the first game –10 Cardigan 24 Mermaids .

In the second game the Mermaids took on the All Blacks of Welsh Rugby – Neath. This, as one expected, was a very physical game with plenty of action not only within the forward department but also from the backs. A baptism of fire was provided to debutants Elinor Isaac and Megan Speakman in which some wonderful footwork and ball skills were witnessed. The defending from the likes of Amy Bird and Gwen Harries in some crunching try saving tackles were noted from some of our South Walian cousins who are now having to reconsider their tactics for the regional games that will swing into action prior to Christmas. The final score – 0 Neath 27 Mermaids.

The 3^rd game saw the U15 Mermaids play against tournament favourites Cardiff Quinns. Quinns provided a tactfully superior side but this was matched by the courage and determination from an equally passionate Bay side. The Quinns preferred to play a kicking game which played straight into the hands of the Bay, who simply ran the ball back at them. Zienna Teece made her debut for the Mermaids with determined running down the wing. The constant barrage of tackles the Bay had to make started to take their toll in the second half and after keeping the score line at a respectable 7 – 7 at the end of the first half, a couple of well executed break-away tries saw the Quinns finish as victors. Despite this, sterling work rates from Corina Owen, Ellie Evans, Harding and Harries were applauded but that is not to take anything away from the rest of the team. This was truly a team effort. The final score -  31 Cardiff Quinns 7 Mermaids.

The final game of the tournament had the Bay ladies up against another well organised team – Newport. The combination of props Ellie Roberts, Stubbs and Davies took the game to the opposition with powerful drives and good rucking. Tiredness crept in from both teams which resulted in the backs not being as effective as they had been earlier in the tournament but the final result would show that this Mermaid side only lost to one South Wales team. Good support work from Rachael Edwards and determination from Sophia Hathaway ensured that the Mermaids went home proud of the days results. The final score – 10 Newport 10 Mermaids. This final result ensured a well deserved overall second place for the U15’s Mermaids side The rallying call that North Wales ladies rugby is up to the task of going toe to toe with their South Wales counterparts has effectively been made.

Following on from the tournament there were presentations given out to celebrate some of the achievements of Welsh Women's rugby. The U14’s Mermaids were presented with a trophy as an achievement of the best North Wales side, in their age group for 2007/08 season. North Wales Regional Captain, Amelia Stubbs was also congratulated as being the North Wales player of the year within the same age group, a tremendous achievement in her first season.