U16s Clinch League Play Off Spot
Virginia RFC U16s welcomed Dungannon RFC to The Deerpark on Saturday, looking to keep their 100% League record intact. It was a cold morning after a surprise frost and for a while it was touch and go if the game would go ahead, but a rising sun thawed the ground enough for the kick off to go ahead.
The visitors started strongly bringing the game to Virginia, but clever use of the sun and high ball saw Mark Gilsenan relieve the pressure, and regain territory. The Virginia front row were again dominant on their own possession with Jamie Osbourne, John Smyth, and team captain Evan Charters again putting in a strong shift. Quick ball off the back of one set piece and a great dummy from Adam Charters saw him go under the posts to open the scoring, with Martin O’Connell’s conversion giving Virginia a 7-0 lead against the run of play. This heralded the home sides best period of the match. Aaron Kierans at inside centre kept Dungannon on the backfoot with some strong running, well supported by the backrow of Robert Lochaden, Rioghan Smith, and Cai Walker. This gave the backs more opportunity to get the ball wide, with Aaron Mannion joining the line to great effect, and freeing up both wings in quick succession, with first Martin, and then Paddy Gordon producing blistering runs to score. A further conversion from Martin opened up a 19-0 lead. Dungannon were not going down without a fight though, but any possession they had for the rest of the half was neutralised by a much improved Virginia defence, with Aaron Hawthorne in particular giving no ground.
The second half started in similar fashion with Virginia on the front foot, but with uncharacteristic handling errors creeping in they couldn’t make the most of their opportunities. Niall Carolan was introduced at inside centre, and despite this not being his usual position put in another excellent performance both going forward and in defence. Some loose play in midfield put Adam Sherriff in space, and great support run from Michael McKeon-Boyle saw him crash over to open the lead to 24-0. Jason Henderson and Ibykan Ajetummobi came on, both putting in great performances. Credit to the visitors they kept coming at Virginia, and were determined to get themselves on the scoresheet. Connor Kennison and Gearoid Fitzpatrick came into the forwards and did well to shore up a tiring defence, with Killian Collins on at fly half allowing the backs to clear their lines as the clock wound down. At the whistle the score remained 24-0 to Virginia giving them their thirteenth win from thirteen games, keeping them top of the Ulster League South Section.
Results elsewhere with Monaghan RFC beating Enniskillen RFC mean that Virginia are assured of a place in the League Play Offs at the end of February. Next weekend they are on the road to Enniskillen as they look to secure top spot and a home Play Off Quarter Final.
U14s into League Quarter Finals
On Saturday morning Virginia U14s welcomed Dungannon RFC to Deerpark for the 13th round of the Ulster Carpets South League, and after a delayed start due to the frost the game got underway.
Virginia started strongly, holding possession with strong rucking from Mark Gibney, Nathan Tobin, and Kieran Duffy. With the forwards working in pods of three they were able to draw the Dungannon defence to allow Conor Nulty to score just to the right of the posts. Dungannon however responded well and were next on the scoreboard when they intercepted a pass to score under the posts making the score 7-7. The home side kept their cool, and once again forward play got the momentum going with good ball carrying from Darren Kavanagh and Ryan McGuigan. Dungannon again found themselves drawn narrow for Conor to touchdown his second try. Virginia then decided to vary their game plan up, passing the ball through their backs with good ground being made by Malachy Walker on the left wing, then quickly through the hands to the right wing where Tyrone Tynan brought it into the Dungannon twenty-two for Cormac Monaghan to finish off with a try. Although Dungannon were still battling at the breakdown Virginia were just too strong, with excellent delivery off the back of the ruck every time from Oscar Erickson Virginia’s backline were growing in confidence. Jack Carroll picked his way through Dungannon’s defence with some sharp footwork to score a try and close out the first half. Three conversions from Jake White-Duffy making the score 26-7.
The second half started with Virginia at their absolute best, playing as a well drilled team. From a Dungannon put in at the scrum excellent work from the entire pack, from great hooking by Thomas Sheridan to control in the back row from Diarmuid O’Reilly, saw the ball quickly out to Jake at fly half and a quick dummy and sidestep saw him under the posts. Next play was very similar, this time seeing Conor complete his hatrick. Another sidestep from Jake got him to within ten meters, and quick support and a pick and go by Luke Morris saw him touchdown the first of his two tries, the second being scored minutes later. Four further conversions meant Virginia were now 54-7 up, so it was time to freshen the team up to see the game out. Forwards Ryan Moloney, James Tuite, and Conan Fitzpatrick joined the fray, and the backs replacements were Killian Smith, Luke Doyle, Alfie Jackson, and Patrick Sheridan, who all played excellently. But at this stage a battle hardened and ever improving Dungannon team still had plenty of gas in the tank scoring two late tries of their own to make the full time score 54-19.
An excellent result guaranteeing a place in the League Quarter Finals, however they will want to push on and try and secure a home fixture. There are three games left so it’s all hands to the pump as they hit the road to Enniskillen next week.
Virginia Under 18 Girls Remain Top of the League
Virginia girls made the long journey to Letterkenny on Sunday last for the first match of the New Year. The girls were anxious to get back on track, having had no matches since before Christmas. Although the home side conceded the match before kick off, not having enough players to field a full side, the Virginia girls were more than happy to give them players so that both sides would have what turned out to be a very exciting game. It was great to see all the Virginia girls get game time and certainly some of the new girls to the squad this year stood up to the challenge and showed their ability.
Under 15 Girls Lose Out Narrowly To Letterkenny
The under 15 girls travelled with the under 18’s to Letterkenny and despite the long journey hit the ground running from the start of the game. The lead changed several times throughout the match and the final score of 24-22 in Letterkenny’s favour reflects the tight and exciting game that the spectators were treated to.
Well done to all the girls involved on both teams, and thanks to Letterkenny for their hospitality.
