U16s claim local bragging rights with victory over near neighbours Cavan RFC
With Cavan RFCs pitches still undergoing development Virginia RFC U16s headed for the Peace Link facility in Clones to take on their neighbours in The Ulster League (South). After a couple of forays into Leinster due to a break in league action they were looking forward to resuming their campaign.
Virginia intentions were clear from the off, and again faced with larger opposition they knew the battle would be won out wide rather than through the middle. Half backs Jason Henderson and Adam Charters were relentless at the back of any breakdown, and with Centres Aaron Kierans and Mark Gilsenan running clever lines and demonstrating great handling skills it was to be a day for back three. Aaron Mannion opened the scoring with a great touchdown, before a four try blitz from Jamie Davidson put Cavan to the sword. The backs were receiving all the plaudits, but it was built on another solid forward display. Michael McKeon-Boyle, Rioghan Smith, and Adrian Lynch tackled ferociously breaking up any go forward ball Cavan had, and soon on the other wing Martin O’Connell touched down and added his fifth conversion to make the half time score 40-0.
Virginia rang the changes in the second half, but the solid performance up front continued. The Front Row of Jamie Osbourne, Evan Charters and Aaron Hawthorn were comfortable on their own ball, well supported by Ryan Shiels, Callum Finane, and Callum Caswell. In the loose Robert Lochaden and Cai Walker continued to frustrate any Cavan go forward ball. Adam Sherriff slipped seamlessly into the Scrum Half position, and Niall Carolan provided the perfect link for Wing Paddy Gordon to add the only try of the second half, making the final score 47-0.
U14s continue winning run with hard fought victory over local rivals Cavan RFC
The U14s were on the road this morning for an away match V Cavan RfC at the Peace Link 3G pitch in Clones. Straight away it was obvious Cavan were a much improved side from when we last met, and were taking the game to Virginia. The visitors though were solid in defence with ferocious rucking from Second Rows Diarmuid O’Rielly and Kieran Duffy and were able to turn Cavan ball over. Excellent ball carrying from Luke Morris, Glen McCabe, and Nathan Tobin working in pods of 3 meant they opened up space for Conor Nulty to work his magic for the opening try, converted by Jake White Duffy. Cavan again came out fighting and worked their way back into the Virginia half, this time excellently defended with big tackles from Malachy Walker, Darren Kavanagh, Thomas Sheridan and Ryan McGuigan. Virginia took control again through the backs with quick ball from Luke Doyle right out to Full Back Cormac Monaghan allowing a wrap-around strike move with Jake running a quick line down the wing, creating an overlap for Tyrone Tynan to go over in the corner. From the restart Virginia were able to get back into Cavans twenty-two with Luke Morris crashing over from 15m out for a try, again converted by Jake to make the half time score 19-0.
The message at the break was to keep their heads up and score first, and they delivered with the forwards again creating the platform with Cathal O’Rielly making a big impact, drawing Cavans defence for Ciaran Levi-Valensi to score. Cavan as usual wouldn’t lie down, this time spending a long period in the Virginia twenty-two, their determination this time paying off when they crashed over for a well deserved try under the posts. The Virginia bench was needed to see the game out with Eli Caffrey, Donal Maguire, and Conan Fitzpatrick all adding muscle to the forward pack and instantly giving go forward ball. Alfie Jackson, Killian Smith, and Patrick Sheridan added pace into the backs and they were able to make space for Conor to score the final try making the final score 29-7 to Virginia.
Both sides have now won nine out of nine games, and are holding onto the top spot in their leagues. Next up is a scheduled visit from Ballyshannon RFC, before breaking for Christmas
