Under 17

Sunday was a great day out for the Colwyn Bay U17 Mermaids at the RAF 10 a side tournament in Bangor. Already confirmed as North Wales champions the Mermaids scored thirty two tries, and only conceded one. Playing teams from Yns Mon, Nant Conwy, Bangor and Oswestry, and winning every game. The U17 team were Abbie Beards, Emma Beaumont, Joley Benton, Ellie Evans, Rebecca Gray, Gwen Harries, Issy Jones, Jane Ann Owen, Anna Parkin, Gemma Pearson and Jess Rhodes

On Thursday evening North Wales champions, Colwyn Bay “Mermaids” played rugby against a combined but less experienced side from Yns Mon. Luckily the visitors turned up with players to spare and loaned a couple of girls to wear the famous “Pink Mermaids” shirt as the Bay side were somewhat depleted. The players from the Bay played with pride and passion and showed they had lost none of their flare for scoring tries. In near perfect conditions, surging runs by the backline of Emma Beaumont, Jess Rhodes and Jane Ann Owen probed the opposition defence, complemented by the beautifully balanced running of Elllie Evans and Gwen Harries on the wings. Kumari Tilakawardane, having just played her last game for the under 14’s side, packed down at open side flanker, supported in the back row by Issy Jones and Joley Benton looking “well tanned” at number eight. Quality play from the forwards kept scrum half Abi Beards supplied with ball which she used to keep the opposition defence on their toes.

Although the Mermaids had most of the possession it was not all one way traffic, the Anglesey girls managed to get turn over ball which they used to good effect, scoring two well worked but unconverted tries. The result was never in doubt though, with tries coming from Issy Jones (2) Jane Ann Owen, Ellie Evans, and Gwen Harries. As well as her try, Jane Ann kicked the conversions for two of the tries making her the highest scoring player from all the games this season.

On Thursday evening The Mermaids played rugby against a much more experienced side boasting many NW England representative players. From the start the Mermaids made it clear that they were not to be outplayed and pressure from the forwards resulted in their first try as Lowri Jones crashed over. All through the first half Joely Benton, Lois Evans, Angharad Lloyd and the other forwards kept scrum half Rebecca Gray supplied with quality ball, which benefited Emma Beaumont at fly half, allowing her to launch the attacking centre partnership of Jess Rhodes and Jane Owen, both of whom scored tries. Good handling and running skills by the Bay backs meant the ball went quickly to wings Mannon Roberts and Eleanor Rawicki, always keeping Waterloo on the defensive. The second half brought changes with replacements Bethan Huws, Kumari Tilakawardane and Abbie Beards coming on.

The visitors then commenced their fight back and only stout defence by all the Mermaids limited their scoring. As full time approached the Mermaids fitness levels then came into play, Pippa Broadway already having scored once, broke through to score the second of her tries, which was converted by Jane Owen. The Mermaids kept up the pressure to the very end, the winning result being Mermaids 29, Waterloo 24. Deservedly Joely Benton was voted “Maid of the match”. The Mermaids are sponsored by Bay Health & Beauty Clinic and play their next match at home on Sunday 29^th April.

Colwyn Bay Mermaids Under 17s met old rivals Oswestry today – and won convincingly 34 - 17!

The first try of the match was scored from a good advance up field from the kick-off with quick thinking from scrum half Abbie Beards making the score 5-0.

The Bay showed good attacking skills with some excellent breaks made. Further tries were scored by Manon Roberts, Joely Benton, Calais Smith and two by Rebecca Grey. Two conversions by centre Jane-Ann Owen increased the score.

The final score was greeted with almost as much joy as the sausage, beans and chips afterwards! ‘Maid of the match’ and team captain Emma Beaumont was, pleasantly surprised with the Oswestry ‘tradition’ of a pint drinking race while standing on a chair. It was the only contest the Bay lost all day!

Sterling performance from all of the Mermaids today - well done. Managers 'Maid of the Match' went to all of you!! - Jon

The Mermaids travelled to Caernarfon this Sunday for the first league game of the season. A tough opposition started well with fast back play who slipped through a well defended Bay line. Some good tackling by the Mermaids couldn't stop a half time result of 25 - 0 to the home side.

In the second half the Mermaids struggled to keep the points down even though there was some tremendous tackling and defence play by Jess Rhodes, Pippa Broadway, Issy Jones, Abbie Beards, Emma Beaumont and Mermaid of the Match Joely Benton. Caernarfon ended the game 56 - 0 with 10 tries and 3 conversions, but the Mermaids will take the positives from the match and work hard in training to face Yns Mon on the 5th November.