Regional awards

After the development day the annual regional awards were given out - the main ceremony had taken place some weeks previously in South Wales but due to exam pressures most of the Gogledd girls had been unable to attend so Nicola Smith, Women's Community Rugby Manager travelled down to Denbigh to present the awards.
Trophies were awarded to Colwyn Bay U18 & U15 Mermaids for being 'Club of the Year' and Ellen Jones was presented with her trophy as Gogledd Cymru U18 Player of the Year and Eurgain Llwyd received her trophy as U15 Player of the Year. The regional players who were present were then presented with a medal to commemorate their involvement with the regional side.
A surprise (at least to the recipient!) award was then announced - Ann Tilakawardane, Gogledd Cymru U18 girls manager, was presented with an award for 'Contribution to Women's Rugby 2008 - 2009'.

Some members of Gogledd Cymru U18s 2008-09 with their medals.

Some members of Gogledd Cymru U15s 2008-09 with their medals

Denbigh 16 August 2009

The last of the summer development days took place at Denbigh Rugby Club on an almost sunny day. There was a mixed age range of girls - both U15 and U18 plus a couple of older players who came along for the awards ceremony and joined in the training, among them Wales U20 player Yasmin Leung, who was happy to share her expertise with the younger girls. The girls were coached in skills for the first half of the session but asked to play a game so a modified game was played, in view of the fact that the ages were mixed (though some of the younger players were more than able to challenge the older girls!)

The Gogledd Cymru coaches were able to add a few more players to the list of potential regional players after seeing the skills on offer.

Bro Ffestiniog RFC

The second development day was held on Sunday 2 August in Bro Ffestionog RFC.

A large contingent of local girls were waiting - what some of them lacked in experience they made up for in enthusiasm! Several players from other clubs also made the journey to Bro.

With 4 experienced coaches available the girls were split into groups and while some were coached in game play, some concentrated on tackling and defence, with the groups rotating through the coaching stations so that all tried all areas.

Such enthusiasm was shown that most of the girls are planning to come to the regional training sessions held on Wednesdays at Llandudno RFC - these sessions are open to all who want to improve their rugby skills.

Mill Bank, Holyhead

The first of the planned development days took place in cool, blustery conditions at Mill Bank, Holyhead on Sunday. The girls were introduced to the new assistant coach for the Gogledd Cymru U18 girls - Tom Rogers. The afternoon started with core skills before the coaches decided to challenge the girls to a game. This started as a casual, friendly skirmish before competitive instincts took over and all began to play to win - a very entertaining sight!

Development days

The first of the planned development days is this Sunday at Mill Bank, Holyhead 12.30 - 4.30. Remember to bring a snack and a drink. Don't forget your gumshields as Louis is planning to do some contact training with the more experienced players.

No time to rest!

I know the season has only just ended but we must press on ahead and start planning for next season as the first regional game is planned for October 11 (and it will be away) so training will begin as soon as possible. The 3 development days will be used for both training and looking for new recruits. There will be a number of vacancies in the U15s as several players will be moving up to U18 rugby in September. The age grading means that any girl who is between the ages of 12 and 15 on 1 September can play U15 rugby and girls between 15 and 18 (on 1 September) can play U18 rugby.

Gogledd Cymru U15 Player of the Year

Eurgain Llwyd

Several players put their hands up this season for player of the year, showing commitment and dedication, however Eurgain Llwyd stood out above the rest. She constantly, whatever the weather, attended all the training session and never gave less than 100% effort. When challenged with a more technical skill Eurgain persisted with a smile on her face even when she found things difficult. The same attitude carried into the games and no matter how hard the opposition were, she got stuck in and played to the best of her ability. She has shown a very mature attitude this season and with continued coaching will develop into a very good player and I wish her well for the future.
Pete McLaughlin
Head Coach 2008 - 2009
Gogledd Cymru U15s