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1st May '10
Caldy U15 Girls Tournament
Caldy
hosted 8 teams from the North West in a 10 a side Girls tournament.
The Mermaids were pitched against Burfield in their first game, a
team that they had beaten more recently on the Gloucester tour. This
was a tense affair that saw the Mermaids score 2 unconverted tries
coming from well worked backs moves with Emily McMullen scoring
first and Elinor Isaacs scoring the second. Burfield retaliated in
the 2nd half with 2 tries of their own through a break
away try and a well worked backs try that wasn’t helped by some
loose tackling from the seasiders. The final moments were edge of
the seat stuff as the Bay moved the ball from one side of the pitch
to the other going over the line to touch down but Amy Bird’s
efforts were deemed to be held up by the opposition in what was
literally the last moment of the game. The final score was
10 – 12 to Burfield.
The
Bay turned to their strengths in the second game by utilising their
backs to devastating effect. 3 tries in the first half by determined
running from Amy Bird, a switch move with Emily McMullen and Rachael
“Edwina” Edwards side stepping 3 opponents, two tries being
converted by Elinor Isaacs. The second half carried on in similar
fashion but their opponents, Tyldesley put up a more resilient
defence. Bay battled through the middle with excellent efforts from
Ellie Roberts and Naomi Turner. Captain Becca Broadway was in good
form but the final nail in the Merseysiders coffin came from Edwina
with another well worked backs move that saw their efforts rewarded
in the far corner. Final score 24 – 0 to
Colwyn Bay.
Liverpool St Helens were the next opponents. This was a hard fought
game with decisions not exactly going the Mermaids way especially
when a very obvious crossing of players prevented the Bay from
tackling the ball carrier to see LSH take first blood. Tackles from
the Bay girls were made to good effect yet once again it was LSH
that grabbed a further score just prior to the end of the first
half. Moving to a 5 woman uncontested scrum from a 3 person scrum
suited the Bay tactics in the second half and lead to what could
arguably be said as some of their greatest determination seen all
season. Seriously fired up the Bay took on some BIG tackles with
Edwina, McMullen, Bird and Roberts putting in some excellent efforts
with an unwavering courage. Edwards finally breached the LSH line
with a great dummy move after the ball had been secured by the
forwards. Converted by Isaacs The Bay realising that they only had
30 seconds in which to win showed the greater determination of the
two teams. The forwards contested well in the scrum securing the
ball and it looked like a reinactment of the Welsh/Scottish game was
on the cards when a speculative looped pass from Bird to Edwards on
the wing could no be latched onto, despite a clear passage to the
try line. The refs whistle denying a second chance to take the
honours on this tightly fought game. Final score
7 – 10 to LSH.
The
results from the pool matches meant that the Bay gained a position
in the Plate final against a well fielded Vale of Loon, It was an
unfortunate clash of heads between two of their own players within
the first minutes of the game that stopped the game for 40 minutes
before the resumption of play. The determination for this, their
last game of the season was the spur to excel and became the
stimulus for the Mermaids to plunder every opportunity given to
them, yet the Loons were no easy touch. The deadlock was finally
broken when Zienna “Zoom” Teece went for glory down the blind side
when the defending tackle on her was adjudged to be high. A quick
penalty was taken by Isaacs and the Bay’s confidence could be seen
to grow. The game remained level in commitment from both the sides.
Broadway rallied her team and in the second half the pattern of
quick hands from the forwards and good rucking allowed for the backs
to once again work their magic. Bird finally took it out of reach
for the Loons as she showed her heels and touched down under the
posts. Edwina took the last honours with the conversion and the
celebrations commenced shortly after as the Mermaids were confirmed
the winners of the Plate. Final score 12 – 0 to the Colwyn Bay
Mermaids. This was truly a marked improvement from previous
games and as such no one individual could be given the Mermaid of
the Tournament as this was a team effort with everyone being
outstanding.
16th - 18th April '10
Annual Tour 2010
Sodbury v Colwyn Bay Mermaids (U15)
Colwyn Bay travelled to
Gloucester for an U15’s girls rugby tournament involving 14 teams
from England and Wales. Their first pool had them drawn against
Sodsbury and Old Northamptonians. The first game was brutal with
some very dubious tactics being employed by the Sodsbury team which
lead to a number of penalties going the Mermaids way but such was
the ferocity of some of the challenges that the injuries started to
come thick and fast. This in turn affected the defences of the
seasiders with 3 quick tries being scored by Sodsbury. Tackling was
difficult with the very hard ground as the sun beat down on the
senior Gloucester training ground facilities and with key figures
from the Bay team missing it was more a case of damage limitation.
This might sound as though there
was little for the Mermaids to take from the game but this was not
the case. Despite the fact that the Sodsbury Team to a player would
not looked out of place in a senior womens team (they breed ‘em big
down there!) the Bay girls dominated in the contested scrums and it
was evident that the Sodsbury forwards struggled under such intense
pressure from their opposite numbers leading to successive turnover
balls from the scrum set piece. The backs were unable to capitalise
on this free ball as the handling let them down. However the
forwards once again excelled on their own line out, out foxing their
English counterparts with some well drilled moves – this again
despite the height differential! Two more tries were scored by the
English club with the consolation for the Mermaids being that the
Sodsbury team were unable to land one of their conversions. Final
score Sodsbury 25 Colwyn Bay 0
Old Northamptonians v Colwyn Bay Mermaids (U15)
Following on from the Sodsbury
game the Bay had lost Ellie Roberts as their prop, an influential
figure within the pack and Emily McMullen in the backs, a key play
maker. Despite these setbacks the Mermaids began to show some of
their potential with a much closer battle being fought out against
the Northamptonshire team. Having very kindly supplied a player to
the Bay a gutsy performance was plaed by both teams. In a very close
fought game Northamptonians scored a break away try in the first
half which was unconverted, as they used their backs with good
effect. Defensively the Bay played far better than there first game
and Elinor Isaacs excelled in her position at scrum half with some
well timed and effective defensive kicking that kept their English
counterparts from the Bay’s try line. Improvements were starting to
become evident as confidence started to rear its head with tackles
being made notably from Amy Bird who was key to the defence, Becca
Broadway and Megan Speakman making their mark as defenders too. A
new Ginger Ninja has evolved for the Bay and this was a welcome
sight to behold. It was therefore unfortunate that despite some good
pressure from the Mermaids that Old Northamptonians grabbed another
try towards the end of the game. Final score Old Northamptonians 10
Colwyn Bay 0
Colwyn Bay v Drybrook (U15)
The lights were starting to
flicker on as the Bay went into a defining match for them. Drybrook
offered an opportunity for the Bay to seek retribution for their
earlier hard fought games. With Naomis Turner stepping into the
breach as a prop and Fran Seger biting at the bit to return to
contested scrums, the Bay turned up the tempo. With the first play
of the game Amy Bird broke through the Drybrook defence and ran half
the length of the pitch to scores first try of the day. Isaacs duly
converted. In similar vein with the backs suddenly finding that they
had hands that could catch some interplay saw Rachael “Edwina”
Edwards thrust through in determined fashion to grab the next score
which again was converted by Isaacs. Srummaging was an integral part
to the game once again providing a solid platform from which the
backs were able to plunder the Drybrook line. However the next
honors went to prop Naomi Turner taking on the Drybrook massive and
scoring under the posts. This was her first try for the Bay. Isaacs
converted once again. Seger was now starting to understand what was
required of her and determined running with excellent running lines
from “Edwina” saw a cheeky try being made by her for Seger to
finally take the glory at the Drybrook posts. A new member to the
team came to the fore as the Bay were introduced to Zienna “Zoom”
Teece. Breaking away from the Drybrook defence and running from
within her own half saw the making of the penultimate try with
Edwina taking the score well beyond the plucky Drbrook team.
Converted by Isaacs the Bay had one more trick up their sleeve
within the final play of the game, Bird once again showed her
maturity in the manner in which she sidestepped at least 3 attempted
tackles from the English team for her final score to be registered
in the far corner. Final score Colwyn Bay 38 Drybrook 0
Colwyn Bay v Cleve (U15)
Bouyed by their confidence
boosting win over Drybrook the Bay started in similar fashion
against Cleve. Defensively the Bay were much better in this game
than they were in the first game however there was still a number of
players that still needed to make their presence known. Anna Gostage
was one to step up to the mark with an impressive display with
commitment and support to her team mates. Once again the line out
worked well with good ball being presented by Broadway. Isaacs was
really coming into her own with a great display of commitment taking
the ball on whenever she wasn’t able to get out down the line.
Defensively kicking she showed the way but once again Bird, Seger
and Broadway were giving a demonstration of what the tackle is all
about. Cleve were much harder than the score reflected and the
effort put in by both teams was commendable, this is despite the
hardening ground and the soaring temperatures. Bird and Edwina
scored a brace of tries each with a further try excellently executed
by Seger by taking the ball from a maul and taking the blind side
route to the Cleve try line. Final score Colwyn Bay 33 Cleve 0
Colwyn Bay v Exeter Saracens
The Bay were now straying into
the territory of possible silverware to bring back to the green
valleys of the motherland, for a win against the Devon team would
see them secure at least a runners up place in the Plate
Competition. A different pitch with an incline and a distinctly
uneven and extremely hard surface were conditions that both teams
should not really have had to contend with. However both teams put
in a sterling effort and despite their earlier wins the Bay were
defeated in the first instance by a lack of confidence as much as
their opponents gameplay. Exeter were well organised and with tries
scored by all of their backs, demonstrated their understanding of
the running line as well as some great turn of pace. Simply put the
Bay were back to a lack of commitment in the tackle. Going down in
the first half by 17 points. This Jackyl and Hyde team that is the
Bay then showed that they could perform and despite a further
converted try being scored b the Sarries they showed soe impressive
resolve. Final Score Colwyn Bay 0 Exeter Saracens 24.
Colwyn Bay v Reading
There must be something in the
soil in those English lands as once again the Mermaids found
themselves up against some very big girls who would have given
Vainaluko or even Jona Lumo a run for their money. This game, it
could be argued showed a true grit and determination that was in
earlier games but none moreso than this final game. With a second
place up for grabs a definite resolve was apparent and despite some
protestations about their lack of energy and sore bones, the
Mermaids won friends from both sides. A moaning Edwina made a
wonderful break within the first 2 minutes of the game and as she
was starting to break away from a hopeful would be tackler, and
barely 5 m from the line, she was tackled by her own shadow and
spilt her own ball!! This was match defining. Reading struck with
their centre scoring a well worked backs try which was duly
converted. Another try was scored shortly by the Reading fly half
which although well defended by the Mermaids was grounded despite
the ball appearing to be held up. The referee was ideally placed to
be able to award the try. A third try was scored just as the first
half closed. However the Bay scented blood and a realisation that
they could win the game and with a new hardened resolve and fire in
their bellies went out to win the game. The backs started
functioning as they should with moves that threw their opposition
into confusion but once again the forwards provided the platform for
a blindside try after the forwards secured their own scrum.
Realising that the blind side was unguarded Isaacs and Edwina
combined to take advantage of the space with Edwina side stepping
two oncoming defenders to make the first try of the Bay comeback.
Further combining of the backs McMullen and Bird allowed a second
try for the Bay as they fought bravely against this well organised
Reading team. Once again converted by Mermaid of the tournament
Isaacs, this lead to a tight and tense finish. The Bay were showing
great spirit and determination and were most definitely the dominant
side in the second half but the clock was against them on this
occasion and Reading breathed a sigh of relief as their defence
stood strong. Final score Colwyn Bay 12 Reading 17.
Comments and Summary
Although the Mermaids recorded 2
victories out of 6 games there were lots of positive’s to be taken
from this tournament. In what was arguably the first proper test of
the forwards in a scrummaging environment and a fully functioning
line out with effective calls, the tournament belonged to the hard
work of the forwards. A belief started to emerge and where there was
fear was now confidence and a desire to maintain a fully upfront
forward contest. Isn’t it sad however that we now into April and
it’s only now that they are gaining this experience.
For the backs it is more a case
of smelling the coffee earlier on, preferably prior to the game
beginning! With more work required on the tackle area for all
players, there are areas of improvement that despite being practised
need to be embraced by all members of the team and not left to
certain individuals. Handling is excellent at times. And that’s the
problem. It’s at times and not at all times. Switching on earlier in
the day is the key to success but as parents we know that that
morning thing is exactly that!
In many respects the problems
lie more in the lack of games which is a sad indictment of the
current game at this age group for girls rugby in the North Wales
area. With effectively the Bay being the only full time team in the
area, willing to play games and proactively seeking games both
locally and further afield the organisation of games are sadly
becoming dodo-esque. Without the support of the central bodies for
the development of the game it will, sadly, only be a matter of time
when with a puff of smoke there will be a vacancy sign posted in the
North Wales area upon the plot that was Girls rugby. If the Unions
could gain some agreement that regional games are played at the same
part of the year, it would enable cross border fixtures to continue
and thus the interest of the players. Under the current
circumstances 2/3 months are effectively wiped out of the rugby
calendar as it takes its toll on the possibility of fixtures.
Without games it becomes an uphill struggle to maintain the interest
of even the keenest of players and despite the endeavours’ of
coaches there is only a certain amount of practice that can be done
before the troops lose interest in the battle upon the field – or
rather the lack thereof.
The Gloucester tournament was
well organised with fantastic facilities and gave a great
opportunity for the girls to play not just 2 or 3 games but 6 in
total. This in itself has been a great chance to prepare for another
English tournament over on the Wirral on the 1st May and
I relish the challenge as a coach to see how well the girls perform.
Winning is a by product as far
as I am concerned at this level and although a high priority and the
ultimate desire, I have learnt from a coaching point of view, that
the greatest kick comes from seeing the enjoyment that these girls
get from simply playing the game. It is truly satisfying to see
moves from both forward and backs actually paying off, the
confidence that it gives the girls as they suddenly realise that
they can tackle, they can ruck, they can scrimmage etc. It is the
camaraderie and stories they share with each other after the game
that they will take with them, not just in the changing room
immediately after the game but also into later life, that I know as
a player myself, they will come to cherish.
I am saddened that the
continuance of this opportunity for girls to play rugby at this age
group is under threat and for those that are not yet old enough to
move up to the next age band (and there is some formidable talent
that will be lost as a result) as well as those who once they reach
the age of 12, will have nowhere else to go to further their
enjoyment of the game.
Whilst this may be the last
season I get to coach this age group and gender I will state for the
record that the challenge has been one that have thoroughly enjoyed.
Whilst there have been times where I have racked my brains thinking
of what I can teach at a training sessions and nights that the rain
felt like someone upstairs had left the tap running on full, with
the wind whipping around the body as you try to keep hold of your
tactical notes and training session prep, I wouldn’t change it. The
joy that these youngsters get from playing the game and with a
ferocity that belies their gender and a skill set that parallels
that of the opposite, do I regret taking up the role. Not at all.
But you do need a good manager to keep it altogether and parents
that are willing to help and assist you. It gives you a sense of
achievement and a sense of community. A sense that you have made an
impact on someone’s life. Good luck to the new coach coming in.
7th March '10
Colwyn Bay U15 Mermaids 10 Bro/Nant U15 Girls 25
Perfect rugby conditions
prevailed this last Sunday as Colwyn Bay Mermaids played hosts to a
long welcomed game against a combined Bro Ffestiniog/Nant Conwy
team, which in all but name was in fact the North Wales U15 girls
team. Perfect pitch conditions provided an excellent backdrop for
what was to be a closely fought game. The Mermaids started off quite
sluggish in their efforts to quell a well drilled Bro/Nant team and
their No. 15, Becki Thomas, provided the first try with excellent
running leaving 2 of the Bay in her wake. Closely fought rucks
proved to be the main stay of play which frustrated the backs from
both sides. After some good forward working from the Bay in their
own 22 an ambitious attempt to put the ball safe with a kick only
saw Thomas catch the ball cleanly and run in pretty much unopposed.
The difference between the two sides was minimal but close up
support allowed the visitors greater continuity of play. However a
wonderful sidestep from Amy Bird from within the Nant 10m almost saw
her go clear until she was tackled by the last line of Nant's
defence, deep into their 22m. Pressure was continued and it was not
long before the Mermaids secured their first try with Bird taking
flight and soaring to pick up a well timed pass from winger Rachael
Edwards who broke the Nant line for a second time. Nant however had
the last of the spoils in the first half securing an unconverted try
just prior to the whistle being blown.
The second half was again still
a sluggish affair from the Bay and dropped ball allowed the Nant
side to escape 2 pretty certain tries. Lateral movement made an
unwelcome guest of itself and the Bay found themselves down a third
try as the Nant side seized upon some loose ball with a forward try
being bundled over the Bay try line. However indiscipline also
played a big factor for the Bay’s second try as Elinor Isaacs took
advantage of Nant’s’ failure to go back 10m following a penalty.
The backs started to see a little more ball but general failure to
utilise the width of the pitch was evident from both sides. Again
with the forward play dominating the set play the backs found it
hard to sparkle. 2 tries towards the end of the game flattered the
score line but Nant fully deserved the win with a more cohesive
approach and better support play.
8th November '09
U15 Mermaids 24 Nant Conwy 10
The Bay played host to the ladies from up the
valley in perfect rugby conditions. The game was distinctly that of
2 halves with neither team committing particularly well to guarding
the ball on the ground or indeed
to the contact area. The Mermaids went into the 2nd half with a 12-5
lead with tries from Mermaid of the match Emily McMullen and Elinor
Isaacs and a conversion from birthday girl Rachael Edwards. The 2nd
half was far more cohesive as the Bay girls were far more committed.
The light bulbs went on gaining stirring performances from both
Ellie Roberts and Megan Speakman. Becca Broadway showed her team
mates the definition of tackling with some superb efforts but it was
a spirited game that saw Nant, in their usual style, ensuring that
it was not all one way traffic. A further 2 tries from McMullen and
conversion from Edwards lead to a final score of 24-10 to the
Mermaids.
4th October '09
Glossop U15 girls
U15 Mermaids
The clouds parted over
the Derbyshire club to provide not only stunning views of the nearby
Pennines but also of some truly entertaining girls rugby. Teams from
Macclesfield, Caldy and Glossop combined together as they
entertained their guests from across the border.
Although this was announced
as a training game down to the fact the th combined team had a
number of new girls, as indeed the Bay did, the standard of rugby
displayed would suggest that this in fact was actually a great
spectacle for the crowd of onlookers.
Bay struck first but it took
some time and effort for them to broach the Derbyshire line. A
succession of tackles and good handling ended with a determined
effort from Mermaid of the Match, Ellie Roberts from driving through
the centre of the park from the 22 to touch down, leaving in her
wake 5 attempted efforts to bring her down. True strength and
determination enabled the metamorphosis of this player to finally
unleash her potential.
Yet Glossop were not to roll
over. With a scintillating run from the half way their inside centre
dropped a shoulder to deceive the Bay defence and with a turn of
speed set forth to the guest line to score a converted try.
A second try from Emily
McMullen enabled the Mermaids to strike forth again in typical
fashion ie head down gritted determination and fighting every step
of the way. However Glossop again surged and with another try that
equalled their first in finesse, grabbed the lead once again.
However this was to be their
last score. Although the final result seems to betray how good a
contest this was mention is made of debutant Charlotte Carr's first
try, a typical wingers try, following the touch line and cutting in
at the try line. Also 2 Amy Bird tries, giving the crowd a taste of
further potential of this all round player. Captain Elinor Isaacs
burst through a tired defensive line to grab a try of her own. She
commanded not only her position but also the tempo of the Bay game
in excellent fashion.
And no match report would be
complete without the mention of Rachael Edwards who once again cut
through the defence as a hot knife through butter, displaying a
natural skill in seeking the most effective running line of any of
the backs on the field this fine October afternoon, capped with a
try of her own and 2 conversions.
The trip across the border
once again has resulted in a deserved Welsh victory but a new found
respect for the new team emerging from their English counterparts.
Final score Glossop U15 Girls 12 U15 Mermaids 39.
20th September '09
Colwyn Bay U15 Mermaids 36 Nant Conwy U15 girls 10
Sunshine poured down upon
Brooklands this last Sunday and with it came the blistering attacks
from across the park from the well drilled Mermaids. Even though a
number of the team were making their first full foray onto the
pitches and others were playing in unaccustomed positions, the Bay
lasses dominated the entire game. Although there was a tendency at
times from both teams to swarm around the contact area, there were
signs from the more experienced Bay of not only using the width of
the pitch but also positional play via the boot. Support play from
every member of Mermaids is improving but as the scoreline shows,
Nant were not going to let their hosts run away with it. After a
surging run and bulldozing her way through the centre of the Nant
defence leaving bodies strewn in her wake, forwards captain Ellie
Roberts claimed the first try of the day, duly converted by Rachael
Edwards. A further forwards try by the Bay’s hooker, Becca Broadway
gave a hint of things to come. However Nants number 11 ensured a
quick reposte, gathering the ball from her 10 yard line from the
kick off, evading at least 3 attempted tackles and touching down in
the far left corner. A further 2 tries, one from Elinor Isaacs and
the second from Nants hooker kept the tit for tat tempo ticking but
the second half was to be claimed by the Mermaids. Edwards turned on
the style as a further 19 points were reaped as the Mermaids
dominated the match. Special mention must also go to the efforts of
Naomi Turner, who stepped in and out of the scrum, Elinor Isaacs
precision passing that cut open the Nant defence and the leadership
of captain Emily McMullen. Nant have some shining stars starting to
emerge but the lessons were dolled out by the Bay on this particular
meeting.
13th September '09
Sandbach U15 22 Colwyn Bay U15 Mermaids 52
A warm welcome and warm weather
greeted the new line up of the U15 Mermaids from the Cheshire side
and it didn’t take long for the ladies from the Bay to stamp an
authority on this game. This was the first game of the new season
and tries were easier than expected for this well drilled team. Good
hands and equally strong defence were the main contributory factors
which saw 2 tries being scored by Mermaid of the match, Emily
McMullen, a try from Rachael Edwards and another from Amy Bird each
of which being duly converted by Edwards. The Mermaid line was
heavily pressurised by their host towards the end of the first half
but the defensive line remained strong allowing a clean sheet in the
first half. The second half was as equally entertaining with great
forward driving from leader of the pack, Ellie Roberts, sterling
defence from Becca Broadway and Bird. Injuries started taking their
toll as the hosts grabbed two well worked tries but these were
pegged back by a further brace of tries from McMullen mirrored by a
further brace by debutant Eurgain Williams. A catch from the kick
off and a darting run saw the makings of a maiden try from Fran
Seagar and what was equally pleasing from a coaching point of view
were the supportive options that her team mates gave her. However a
strong end game saw the Cheshire side grab a further 2 converted
tries giving a fair reflection of the efforts put in by both teams. |
