Virginia RFC U16s into Ulster Cup QFs after See-Saw Battle v Ballyclare RFC
In their first competitive outing since losing the Ulster League Final the U16s were determined to make amends in the Cup, but were up against a classy Ballyclare RFC outfit. It was a beautiful Spring morning at The Deerpark, ideal for supporters but stamina sapping for those on the field.
Virginia started the strongest, quickly gaining the upper hand in terms of territory and possession, with Rioghan Smith and Luke Brodie offering great support at the breakdown. It was Ballyclare though that were to strike first, Virginias poor defence allowing a long range run to the corner to put them five points behind. The homeside heads didn’t go down though, and with the scrum back to its dominant best thanks to Jamie Osbourne, Evan Charters, and Aaron Hawthorne, and the lineout working smoothly with great work from Robert Lochaden, Virginia worked their way back up the field and into the game. Quick hands at the back of the ruck from Jason Henderson, a strong punchy run from Aaron Kierans, and then the ball flashed wide to Jamie Davidson, and he was in to level the score. Virginia continued to press, and Adam Charters thought he was in for the second try but was adjudged to have knocked on. Obviously aggrieved Adam took his next opportunity with ball in hand to ghost through the Ballyclare defence to touchdown and give Virginia a 10-5 lead. It looked as if Virginia would now kick on, but Ballyclare fought their way back, only stopped by some great hits in midfield from Adrian Lynch. Despite gaining good territory though Virginia were hit by another sucker punch long range try to make the score 10-10. With the half drawing to a close Virginia again found themselves in the opposition twenty-two, where a great step by Mark Gilsenan saw him cut open the Ballyclare defence to score under the posts, the conversion by Martin O’Connell making the half time score 17-10.
Virginia knew they were in a match, and the visitors took the game to them as the second half began. A clever box kick from Martin in his own twenty-two was picked up by Cai Walker in the opposition half, his offload to Jamie saw him under the posts again with Martin adding the extras for a fourteen point lead. Again it looked like Virginia would slip into cruise control. Another disallowed try, this time for Martin, might have finished Ballyclare off. They regrouped however and after two quick-fire trys found themselves just 24-22 down. Would Virginia heads this time drop as Ballyclare piled on the pressure? Michael McKeon-Boyle and Connor Kennison were introduced and both added impact in terms of the breakdown and tackle. A try saving tackle from Aaron Mannion seemed to galvanise the home side, and after pressing Ballyclare again they forced a penalty, Captain Evan Charters opted for the kick, which Martin duly slotted to open up the gap again to five points. The next score was vital, more good work at the breakdown gave Virginia the space to go wide, and another powerful run from Jamie saw him complete his hatrick with Martins third conversion opening up a twelve point gap. With over ten minutes to still to go Virginia were still wary of another Ballyclare comeback. The pack was strengthened with the introduction of Callum Finane, and the backs were shored up by Paddy Gordon and Niall Carolan who both offered their usual running threat pinning Ballyclare firmly back in their own half. Killian Collins came on at scrum half and kept the backs supplied with go forward ball, but the see-saw battle came to an end with no further score, Virginia running out eventual winners 34-22.
A good performance to get back on the winning horse, and an Ulster Cup Quarter Final now to prepare for v Enniskillen RFC.
Virginia RFC U16s: Jamie Osbourne, Evan Charters, Aaron Hawthorne, Robert Lochaden, Luke Brodie, Cai Walker, Rioghan Smith, Adrian Lynch, Jason Henderson, Adam Charters, Jamie Davidson, Aaron Kierans, Martin O’Connell, Aaron Mannion, Callum Finane, Connor Kennison, Michael McKeon-Boyle, Killian Collins, Niall Carolan, Paddy Gordon, David Gibney
Virginia U15 Girls Advance To Final Following Their Semi Final Win Over Letterkenny
A beautiful sunny day welcomed Virginia U15 ladies to Letterkenny for a cup semi-final game. From the kick off Virginia’s intention was clear, Sorcha McCormack caught the ball and sprinted the length of the field just to be caught on the 5 meter line but she managed to offload to Siun Smith who crashed over for the first try of the day. From the restart Virginia’s great pressure from Emily Grimes, Leah O’Dowd and Renate Strode in the rucks helped by Ashling Mc Enroe and Amy O’Dowd released Rachel McEnroe in for a second try. At this stage Virginia seemed to be in control but Letterkenny had different ideas muscling over for their first try and relentless pressure saw them in for a second all square 10 apiece at half time .With the sun beaming down, Virginia got the game restarted but Letterkenny pressure was still coming and coming, but some text book tackling from Bevin Moore, Kaitlin Seavers and Niamh Brodie stemmed the tides. Then a great catch from Samantha Snell and some straight line running from Sorcha and fast hands from the McEnroe sisters saw Christina Charters worm her way in for what was to be the game winning try 5 minutes from the end. The girls held out for a well deserved win, special mention has to go to the subs Martha Smith, Kate Ryan, Aoife Cahill, Emer Carpenter not seeing game time today but are every bit as important to the team.
This means both 18’s and 15’s are heading to Cookstown for a double header on April 8th. All support appreciated on the day for these ladies who have had a fantastic season to date.
Fund Raising Walk About Lough Ramor
The annual walk which had to be rescheduled due to the weather will now take place next Sunday 2nd April. The 20K Run/Walk/Crawl starts from the clubhouse at 10am with registration at 9.30am. If you’re looking for a shorter option the 5k forest walk/run will commence at 11am. All proceeds go towards our pitch development fund and further improving facilities for all our players. Come along and support this fund raiser for the club.
