Virginia RFC Match Reports
U14s Continue Winning Run
Virginia U14s welcomed Monaghan RFC to The Deerpark for round 8 of the Ulster South League last Saturday. With cold conditions Virginia started with fiery intent, quickly gaining possession for Darren Kavanagh and Ryan McGuigan to punch holes in Monaghans defence, Thomas Sheridan and second rows Kieran Duffy and Mathew Byres were awesome at the breakdown, soon forcing possession in the Monaghan twenty-two. Monaghans defence were resilient though and it took quick ball off the ruck from Oscar Erikkson to get it wide almost putting Malachy Walker over in the left corner. Quick rucking again was required with the ball going back through the centres for Tyrone Tynan to score in the right corner. From the re start Virginia were dominating the forwards again with big carries down the middle from Glen McCabe. Virginia backs were quick to react with a well practiced strike move with quick ball through the hands of Ciaran Levi Valensi, Cormac Monaghan, and Luke Doyle for Jake White-Duffy to wrap around and run down the wing to go over in the corner. Again it was forward play through the middle this time all the way resulting in Nathan Tobin scoring under the posts. Virginia kept the pressure on with Jake scoring again under the posts. Some evasive running from Conor Nulty in the middle of the park saw him score the last try of the first half, with 3 conversions from Jake making the score 31-0 at half time.
Monaghan players seemed to have a new lease of life for the second half, as they came out playing some very good rugby, keeping possession and spreading the ball wide to score the opening try of the second half. Virginia lads were starting to tire, but a strong bench paid off, with Diarmuid O’Reilly, Cathal O’Reilly, Eli Caffrey and James Tuite adding their strength to the forward pack allowing Luke Morris to break the defence lines and get Virginia back on track with a try. More fresh legs in the backs came from Killian Smith and Alfie Jackson injecting some much needed pace. Conor was able to get over for his second try with another conversion from Jake making the full time score was 43-7. The lads are now midway through the league with 8 wins from 8 and sitting in top spot.
Great Morning of Rugby for Under 8’s
On Sunday our under 8 team had a great morning of rugby against Navan. Everyone gave 100% and a bit more. There was some fabulous running and the squad are starting to play as a team with some good off loads and support play from all. Even the boys that stepped up from the 7’s did a great job. Well done to all the players.
Santa blitz in Balbriggan next Sunday.
Under 10 Team host Boyne
A good day at the office for the Virginia under 10 team as they played at home against Boyne RFC. Virginia fielded two strong teams with a mixture of experienced players and season debutants. Both teams started a little slowly as Boyne took it to Virginia. The home side soon settled with some good rucking and individual breaks for tries. There is still some work to be done on getting the ball wide into space. Best try of the day was a team try with the ball passed between numerous hands with Euan McGolgan scoring in the corner.
All four matches were close and played in the spirit of the game. Thanks to Boyne RFC for travelling. The team travel to Dundalk next Sunday where they hope to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
Under 15 Girls Play Half Time In UCD Bowl
On Sunday a bus load of supporters travelled to UCD Bowl to watch the Irish women take on the New Zealand team. Although the result of the Women’s match was not in Ireland’s favour a great day out was enjoyed by all. At half time the Virginia under 15 girls played against Waterpark RFC and this result was in favour of the Virginia side who scored four tries to one in their brief encounter with the Munster side.
