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VIRGINIA RFC MATCH REPORTS
VIRGINIA RFC U16s MATCH REPORT
Strong Performance from Development Side in Leinster
With a weekend off Ulster League action, the U16s took the opportunity to make a hop over the border into Leinster, and take on a Boyne RFC ‘B’ side. The focus was very much on giving opportunities to the younger members of the squad as the Coaches continue to strive for strength in depth, but a few of the older more experienced players also travelled to ensure they were supported in this.
Virginia started the game very strongly, and seeing they were up against a heavier pack Luke Doyle quickly began to spread the ball wide. Fly half Jake White-Duffy pounced on an early opportunity and powered over to touch down, converting his own try for a seven point lead. Boyne came back at Virginia though, and their strength at the breakdown began to show despite the best efforts of Adrian Lynch, John Smyth, and Ryan McGuigan. As Ryan Moloney and Diarmuid O’Reilly both came into the game the tide began to be stemmed, and some great work at Hooker by James Tuite meant that Virginia were winning their own ball at the set piece. Having held out under pressure, the backs again began to move the ball wide. John Dolan was making great ground up the middle, and both wings Jack Vaughan and Pablo Sobrino were dangerous out wide, forcing Boyne to make a number of last ditch tackles. It was to be Niall Carolan though who struck next, and after a mazy run which left the Boyne defence clutching at shadows he touched down to take the lead out to twelve points. Boyne again came back at Virginia as the half wore on, and rather than trying to punch their way through the forwards they too looked to the open spaces. Two quick trys as the half drew to a close meant that the hosts went in at half time with a 14-12 lead.
The second half started with some more Boyne pressure, but desperate defence and tackling by Killian Collins and Luke Morris kept them at bay. Adam Charters, on for Niall at half time, made a number of excellent clearing kicks, but the pressure was beginning to tell. Another two trys for Boyne brought their lead out to 14 points so Virginia rang the changes. Robert Lochaden came on for Fionn Needham, who in his first ever game of rugby had given an excellent account of himself. Adam Sheriff came in at scrum half, and Alfie Jackson onto the wing. Virginias fresh legs made a difference, and after an excellent run and a perfectly timed pass from Conor Nulty, Cormac Monaghan ran a great line from full back to score and pull Virginia back into the game. The visitors continued to press but time was against them, and the whistle went with Boyne running out 26-17 winners in a game which was a credit to both sides.
An excellent performance from a very young side, where many playing gave the Coaches plenty to think about as they prepare for a return to League action next weekend when they welcome Dungannon RFC to The Deerpark.
Squad: Ryan McGuigan, James Tuite, John Smyth, Fionn Needham, Ryan Moloney, Adrian Lynch, Diarmuid O’Reilly, Luke Morris, Luke Doyle, Jake White-Duffy, Jack Vaughan, Niall Carolan, John Dolan, Pablo Sobrino, Cormac Monaghan, Killian Collins, Robert Lochaden, Adam Sherriff, Adam Charters, Conor Nulty, Alfie Jackson
Virginia U18 finally set foot on grass this season following walk-over wins in the first two league games against Ballyshannon and Donegal town respectively.
For their 3rd fixture of the season, the U18 were tasked with a tough journey across the still soft border to Enniskillen. Due to the Gaelic Football season being still to finish, Virginia were missing a few members of the squad and had to put out a rejigged team with a lot of players selected out of positions.
Following storm Ophelia and Brian the conditions were tough, the pitch was greasy, the ball wet and the wind fierce. Nerves were showing during the warm-up! From the kick-off however, Virginia took the game by the scruff of the neck and very quickly asserted their dominance upon their hosts. Virginia scored twice in the opening half, and were never threatened by Enniskillen. Virginia kept a very good attitude and tried to play at any opportunity. Half time was reached on a score line of 14-0 to Virginia. In the second half Virginia kept the score board ticking at regular interval with 3 more tries, 2 of them converted.
The final score was a convincing 33-0 for the visitors.
Virginia will host Dungannon next in a top of the table clash on the 4th of November, hoping to have a full squad of players to select from.
Virginia U18 finally set foot on grass this season following walk-over wins in the first two league games against Ballyshannon and Donegal town respectively.
For their 3rd fixture of the season, the U18 were tasked with a tough journey across the still soft border to Enniskillen. Due to the Gaelic Football season being still to finish, Virginia were missing a few members of the squad and had to put out a rejigged team with a lot of players selected out of positions.
Virginia Win First League Encounter
Virginia U18 finally set foot on grass this season following walk-over wins in the first two league games against Ballyshannon and Donegal town respectively.
For their 3rd fixture of the season, the U18 were tasked with a tough journey across the still soft border to Enniskillen.
Due to the Gaelic football season being still to finish, Virginia were missing a few members of the squad and had to put out rejigged team with a lot of players selected out of positions.
Following storm Ophelia and Brian the conditions were tough, the pitch was greasy, the ball wet and the wind fierce. Nerves were showing during the warm-up!
From the kick-off, Virginia took the game by the scruff of the neck and very quickly asserted their dominance upon their hosts.
Virginia scored twice in the opening half, and were never threatened by Enniskillen. Virginia kept a very good attitude and tried to play at any opportunity. They were rewarded with two well-constructed converted tries. Half time was reached on a score line of 14-0 for Virginia
In the second half, Virginia kept the score board ticking at regular interval with 3 more tries, 2 of them converted.
The final score was a convincing 33-0 for the visitors.
Virginia will host Dungannon next in a top of the table clash on the 4th of November, hoping to have a full squad of players to select from by then.
