VIRGINIA U16 POWER THEIR WAY TO ULSTER CUP FINAL
On Saturday last Virginia hosted their Carrickfergus counterparts in the Ulster Youth Cup semi-final.
On a dry, sunny but windy day, the Virginia lads delivered an assured performance to book their ticket for the Cup final in Kingspan stadium in Belfast on May 2nd.
The game started evenly and after few exchanges Virginia took the lead on the 7th minute.
Virginia pack went through few phases, the ball reached wing Connor McHugh on the right hand side of the pitch. Good work at the ensuing ruck allowed a quick ball for scrum-half Nathan McQuade, Carrickfergus defense was disorganised, the ball was sent to the backs and centre Charlie Reilly ran in for an easy try. 7-0 with the conversion from John Cooke.
From the ensuing kick-off, the local lads made hard work of gathering the ball but still managed to retain possession. Virginia made good ground near the touch line but were stopped 10 metres inside Carrickfergus half. Once again a quick ruck ball allowed Virginia to surprise the visitors defense on the blind side channel and Captain Michael Gordon was able to release 2nd row Dylan Tighe. Tighe thundered down the touch line to score. 14-0 with another conversion.
The third try came courtesy of scrum half Nathan McQuade. Following a scrum in their 22, Virginia launched an attack on the left side of the pitch. Good interplay between forward and backs sent Carrickfergus defense in disarray, McQuade was in good supporting position to receive the last pass and run unopposed over the line. The conversion was missed to leave the score at 19-0.
Virginia were now forcing the game and unforced errors started to creep up in their game.
With more possession Carrickfergus regained a foothold in the game. On the 23rd minute, they came up with a score of their own following a ball lost by Virginia on their own lineout throw. Carrickfergus pack gathered the ball and following few powerful pick-and-go they managed the cross over for a try. The conversion was missed and the score remained at 19-5 at half time.
At the break, Virginia coaches emphasised the importance of scoring quick from the restart to stop Carrickfergus building up confidence.
Virginia players executed promptly, straight from Carrickfergus restart they attacked on the right hand side and following some great off-loading Captain Michael Gordon scored in between the posts. The conversion was added 26-5.
Virginia were now in full flow and another try was added shortly after. Winger Connor McHugh made good ground on the left hand side of the pitch. Carrickfergus defense was sucked in and a couple of quick passes saw Dylan Tighe crossing the line for his second try of the day. The conversion was added 33-5.
Winger Sean Warren added the 6th try of the day from close range following a good off-load from back row Oisin Kiernan. 38-5 with no conversion.
The next try came following a good turn over from scrum half Nathan McQuade. McQuade put his opposite number under huge pressure and managed to turn over the ball at the back of Carrickfergus scrum. The ball was moved quickly to the wide channel for substitute winger Fionn O’Reilly to score in the corner. The conversion was missed and the score remained at 43-5
Last try came courtesy of Nathan McQuade, following a scrum on the right side of the pitch, number 8 Oisin Kiernan pick and delivered a powerful run down the blind side. After beating a couple of defenders Kiernan unleashed McQuade to run unopposed in between the posts. John Cooke added the conversion to conclude the game on a score line of 50-5.
The 22 players in the match day squad delivered a solid performance and displayed some enjoyable rugby at times.
The Virginia U16 will now face Armagh in the final on May 2nd in Kingspan Stadium, home of Ulster rugby.
