Mermaids

Colwyn Bay Mermaids travelled to Widnes for a Rugby League Girls tournament this weekend. Having trained since the end of the union season with the Colwyn Bay Rugby League team, the Mermaids played 3 games on a blistering hot day in Widnes. Won one , drew one and lost one having lost to a well established Widnes team. The girls really enjoyed the day and great tries were scored by Abbie Beards, Jess Rhodes, Emma Beaumont and Mermaid of the Day Rebecca Gray.

A group of 12 Under 15 Mermaids travelled to the RAF Tournament in Rhyl to play in a 10 a side under 15's tournament against Caernarfon, Nant Conwy, Llangefni and Oswestry. The weather was atrocious, lashing down driving rain that was set in for the day.

A tough first match against Caernarfon saw a defeat of 31 - 5 to Caernarfon that shocked the Mermaids into a much better performance against a new side from Llangefni. Even though it was only Llangefni's second ever match they put up a fight, but the Bay came out on top 15 - 0.

Unfortunately no one told Nant it was Under 15's, so they only brought a very small Under 14's side, so we had to play tag, which was totally alien to the Mermaids and the quick pace from Nant saw a Victory to the Valley 6 - 4. This game put fire into the Mermaids and when they played veterans Oswestry in their forth match of the season against the Bay, the girls evened the seasons score 2 all by beating them convincingly 37 nil with 2 excellent tries from Maid of the Day, Eleanor Rawichi.

The Mermaids travelled to Oswestry this weekend, looking to improve their game after last weeks defeat. On equal terms with Oswestry after losing a game and winning a game this season, the Bay started the scoring with an explosive try from prop Nicky Edwards, but Oswestry equalised minutes later. Another try before the end of the first third from scrum half Abbie Beards, which took the Bay into the lead. A tough second third saw Oswestry score another try when the Bay took their eyes off the game, but soon came back strong in the last third, and Nicky Edwards scored her second try supported by some good attack by the Mermaids. Again, Oswestry retaliated and scored another try and converted it into a great lead. Full back, Laura Ripley, then scored an excellent try from the 22 line, and the Mermaids thought the game was won, but Oswestry with 2 minutes to go scored to take the win, 22-20. Captain Emma Beaumont took Maid Of the Match and Angharad Lloyd took the coaches Player of the Match for her outstanding commitment and determination.

The Bay were out-matched today in a tough match against a well established under 17's Chester side. A much bigger side travelled to the Bay with just 10 players, but soon showed they meant business, scoring in the first minute of the game. The Mermaids struggled to defend a very quick pack and Chester made the most of this and used the pace in their backs to put 50 past the Bay in the first half.

The Mermaids looked sharper in the second half with some great tackling from Joely Benton, Emma Beaumont and Angharad Lloyd, but they couldn't break Chester's line and the points kept on coming. Maid of the Match Abbie Beards nearly broke through to score a try, but was stopped by some excellent defence by the visitors.

The team will now look back and learn from the match and will hopefully take some points from the more experienced Chester team away with them next week when they travel to Oswestry for there final match of the season.

Revenge was sweet today as The Mermaids beat Oswestry 39 - 20 at home. Some great tackling from all the players putting Oswestry under pressure throughout the game. Maids of the match were Angharad Lloyd and Captain Emma Beaumont. A great game from start to finish with excellent tries from Emma Beaumont, Bethan Evans, Cari Davies, Abbie Beards, Jess Jones and two from try veteran Nicky Edwards. Two of the tries were converted by Scrum Half Abbie Beards.


Nicky Scoring Her 1st Try		Spot the Ball!! Well done Abbie

Emma Battling On		A Maz & Cadi Sandwich!

Don't Mess With Emma		Abbie Scoring her Try

5 on 1 -Is that Fair Ref?		Abbie Clearing the Scrum with Quick Ball

Colwyn Bay hosted their first ever girls game of rugby at home today against Nant Conwy U16's.

The start of the game showed the Mermaids were nervous and let Nant through for an early try, which was converted. The Bay then woke up, and put in some good defence and good attacking skills. Nant put another try through, but failed to convert it. The Bay then let veteran try scorer Nicky Edwards on the pitch and with some good supporting play by the Mermaids - Nicky scored. Within minutes of the unconverted try, Nicky scored her second try from the half way line, leaving Nant in her wake to score under the posts. This then was converted by the Captain Emma Beaumont.

The second half saw the Bay dominate the game with excellent play both defensive and attack letting Maid of the Match Pippa Broadway score an awesome try, again under the posts. Pippa Broadway won her Maid of the match title not only for an excellent try, but from the tremendous tackling throughout the game. Captain Emma Beaumont scored another great try battling her way through Nant's struggling defense. Laura Ripley then scored the last of the Bays tries, again from the half way line, Laura leaving Nant in her wake.

An excellent game was then followed by a 10 minute 7 a side Under 14's match, again won by the Mermaids, 6 tries to one.

After watching the game on Sunday 2 more Mermaids were selected for the North Wales squad - Nicky Edwards & Pippa Broadway - Well Done Girls!!!!!!!


Angharad Lloyd attacking Nant		Nicky Edwards scoring her 2nd try

Kumari passing to Bethan Bach		Nant's Scrum with the Mermaids waiting to Strike

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Colwyn Bay Mermaids had their debut match today in Oswestry playing an experienced U17's team. Great play from the whistle with the Bay driving forward with Lowri Jones, missing a try on the try line being pushed out of play. The Bay continued the pressure throughout the 1st third and after 20 minutes it was still nil nil. The second 3rd saw 6 new players on the pitch, who also showed courage and determination, but let Oswestry through for a try and conversion. A determined last third saw the Bay come forward putting pressure on Oswestry, but again, Oswestry snuck through with another try which they converted. Nicola Edwards then played through Oswestry's defense with a long run and scored a try under the posts with 3 Oswestry forwards hanging onto her ankles.

The final whistle saw the score 14-5 to Oswestry, but the score did not reflect the Bays playing, which equalled Oswestry's. Excellent hospitality from Oswestry, who will be travelling to Colwyn Bay for a return match in the New Year, where the 'Mermaids' will be looking for revenge!!

Joint player of the match goes to Abbey Beards and Bethan Evans who both gave outstanding performances.

Manager Jon Shaw and coaches Geoff and Rachel Taylor were extremely proud of the Mermaids 1st performance and couldn't have wished for a better performance, commitment and dedication from the players!!

A big thank you to all the supporters who travelled from the Bay to watch the mermaids on their debut game. We will have to get a bigger coach next time!!