National News History 2006/7

West Wales U14 15 – 10 North Wales U14

The North Wales Girls’ Squads travelled down to Aberystwyth to play against a more experienced West Wales side.  Although narrowly beaten 3 tries to 1, North had to lend 3 players to the West.

After a long and windy journey on the coach, all the girls were raring to go; Colwyn Bay was represented strongly by Kumari Tilakawardane, Ellie Evans, Amy Bird, Gwen Harries, Sophia Hathaway, Kaya Harding and Ellie Roberts in the U14s and Abi Beards, Emma Beaumont, Rebecca Gray and Issy Jones played for the U17 side. 

The U14 side played first, this was all the ‘Mermaids’ players’ first game at regional level, apart from Kumari Tilakawardane, who played last season.  The game got off to a fairly good start, with both teams competing strongly; West Wales scoring the first try (unconverted) 10 minutes in.  Then, after a sustained period of pressure from North, winger Ellie Evans touched down following a superb blindside run.  The next North Wales try came from scrum-half Sian Williams, of Nant Conwy. 

Both teams fought very hard and competitively for the ball, with West scoring the equalising try.  North Wales made several team changes at half time, but still continued to both attack and defend well; unfortunately in the last 10 minutes letting a very strong West Walian runner through to score what would turn out to be the winning try.  But the North Wales girls, never ones to know when they’re beaten, continued playing with the same aggression and passion, and when Sian Williams made a break up the edge of the pitch, it seemed it would be a draw, at least.  However, the referee, in a somewhat controversial decision, stopped the try, as Sian ran in under the posts, and gave a penalty to West Wales for crossing, presumably deciding the supporting running of Gwen Harries was illegal. 

Pippa Gets Welsh Bronze!

'U17's Mermaid' Pippa Broadway, pictured with coach Steve Clarke, entered the Welsh Under 20 Open judo competition in Cardiff last weekend and won a bronze medal in the under 63kgs category. Steve was impressed with one particular rugby style throw in her second contest.  Pippa is also a rugby player and a member of Colwyn Bay rugby club.  Steve believes many rugby and judo skills  are transferable and so does the All Blacks coach who said in the Western Mail that the All Blacks’ current success is due to the fact that they have studied judo!

Colwyn Bay Judo Club holds sessions

Colwyn Bay Leisure Centre

Saturdays 10am - 11;30am JUNIORS

11;30am - 1pm  SENIORS

 

North Wales XV

Well done to Kaya, Sophia, Kumari, Both Ellie's, Amy and Gwen for being picked to play for North Wales on Sunday against The West at Aberystwyth. GOOD LUCK

North Wales Regional Girls' Season 2006-7 (14's & 17's)

WWRU

North Wales Development Day - 19th Nov '06

The North Wales development day took place on a freezing cold, windy and somewhat wet day.  The Bay were represented by Eleanor Evans, Gwen Harries, Amy Bird, Ellie Roberts, Kaya Harding, Sophia Hathaway and Kumari Tilakawardane at U14 level and Abi Beards, Emma Beaumont, Issy Jones, Calais Smith, Eleanor Rawicki and Rebecca Gray for U17s.

The girls all worked hard, with handling drills and contact and game skills being put to the test by the regional coaches.  All the Mermaids’ players impressed - special mention going to Gwen, Kaya, Ellie Evans and Kumari in the U14s for a complicated drill using speed, skills and switches that really surprised the coaches!

After the day, in the clubhouse yet more good news (for the Bay girls at least) as North Wales rugby personality Nia Ritchie announced happily that the North Wales training will be held at Colwyn Bay for now, after a fairly decisive vote.  All the girls who attended the day were invited to be a part of the North Wales squads for this season.     

By: Kumari Tilakawardane