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VIRGINIA RFC
U14 VIRGINIA RFC vs MONAGHAN RFC ULSTER LEAGUE SOUTH
Monaghan 19 Virginia 59
Virginia needed to get back on the horse this weekend after their narrow loss to Omagh the previous week.
The match started in cool calm conditions, but Virginia were anything but and allowed Monaghan to score first after a miscommunication at a 22 drop out. Virginia refocused and the big forwards drove well which allowed Jack Carroll to score under the posts, Malachy Walker converting. A missed touch from Monaghan was returned with interest by Malachy who then linked with Nathan Tobin to score Virginias second try soon after. Virginia now had their tails up and two identical tries from Matthew Byers both after great surges from the forward pack, kept the scoreboard ticking over. Both were again converted by Malachy. A further great converted team try was scored by Jack Carroll after a fantastic ruck clearance by Nathan leaving the half time score 35-5.
The trys kept coming after the break with Killian Smith powering over from close range after some rampaging runs from Conan Fitzpatrick and Eoin Bogan. Malachy then added a try out wide to his kicking tally after some slick passing in the backs. Monaghan were not done and scored the next try after a well worked line out move. Two quick tries were then racked up by Virginia with Glen McCabe from the back of the scrum and the impressive Matthew Byers clinching his hatrick. With all the Virginia bench on and contributing well to a fine match, the last word went to Monaghan with a consolation try making the final score 59-19 to Virginia.
VIRGINIA U16s v MONAGHAN RFC ULSTER LEAGUE SOUTH
Monaghan RFC 27 Virginia RFC 26
Another great Saturday morning for rugby greeted the U16s when they travelled to Monaghan for a top of the table clash in the Ulster League South. Virginia were protecting their 100% record but were faced with a physically imposing Monaghan outfit.
The hosts immediately used their size advantage scoring a quick try and setting up a 7-0 lead. Virginia responded well but uncharacteristic errors kept turning over possession, and Monaghan pressure told again towards the end of the half as they scored again. The visitors decided they needed to beef up the forwards a bit, and make some rearrangements in the back line. John Smyth was introduced and he made an immediate impact in the pack as Virginia stemmed the tide, and despite being 12-0 down at the break they felt they were back in the game.
Monaghan however were determined to build on their advantage and shortly after the restart were 17-0 up. Credit to Virginia though, they kept their heads up, and were soon on the scoresheet themselves with the backs working Paddy Gordon into space for a great individual try, Niall Carolan adding the extras to bring the game back to a ten point deficit. The next period saw Monaghan dig deep to take the game away from the visitors. Strong runnIng up the middle, coupled with good hands out wide was rewarded by two further trys and all of a sudden the game looked out of sight. Virginia again rallied, their attitude typified by Cai Walker who made several powerful runs through the Monaghan lines. A great move was finished by prop Jamie Osbourne who ran a great supporting line to score in the corner. Virginia emptied the bench to add fresh legs, and again took the game to Monaghan. A great individual try by Niall, duly converted by himself, narrowed the gap to eight points. Shortly afterwards Paddy scored his second, Niall again converting and Virginia dared to dream. But time had ran out, and Monaghan were deserving 27-26 winners.
The league takes a short break now, with a home Friendly next Sunday v Boyne RFC. They resume their League campaign on Saturday 9th Dec at Home v neighbours Cavan RFC.
Squad: Jamie Osbourne, Killian Collins, Ryan McGuigan, Mark Gibney, Diarmuid O’Reilly, Adrian Lynch, Cai Walker (Cptn), Robert Lochaden, Adam Sherriff, Jake White-Duffy, John Dolan, Niall Carolan, Conor Nulty, Paddy Gordon, David Gibney, James Smith, John Smyth, Ryan Moloney, Luke Morris, Jason Henderson, Ciaran Levy-Valensi, Cormac Monaghan
UNDER 15 GIRLS DOMINATE IN ENNISKILLEN
A cold Sunday afternoon saw Virginia U15 ladies head away to Enniskillen for their next league clash. From the kick-off Virginia meant business. Good rucking from Siún Smith and Martha Smith saw Sáoirse Kiernan crash down for the first try. Virginia introduced Hannah Smith to strengthen the team. Leah O’Dowd and Clara Corrie worked tirelessly to free up Christina Charters who touched down just under the posts. Sáoirse tapped the conversion over. Niamh Brodie controlled the game at scum-half and passing out wide to Bevin Moore who raced over for Virginia 3rd try. Sáoirse made it 2 out of 3. From the kick-off Virginia won the ball from Hannah Smith moving it wide to Aishling McEnroe then popped up to Dawn Higgins who ran hard to cross the try line .Sáoirse glides it through the posts. Half-time 26/0 to Virginia. No time to take a breath second half started the same as the first finished, with the introduction of Tara Brady. This opened up space for Aishling McEnroe to get in for her first. Samantha Snell at fullback fetched a high ball and made up ground for Jamie Lee Mooney and Amy McCullagh to ruck for Christina to touchdown for her second .Sáoirse tips it over. Now Virginia did not let up and good fast hands from Katie Griffith to Katie Bell saw Bevin in for her second. Sáoirse stepped up and split the posts again. As the clock ticked down the best move of the game saw the ball move from one side of field to the other picked up by Leah moved out to Aishling who popped it back to Sáoirse with a perfect kick across field for Christina to catch and touchdown for her third try . Sáoirse had her kicking boots on today and kicked the conversion .Final score 52/0. Well done all girls involved.
TIGHT ENCOUNTER FOR U/18 GIRLS IN ENNISKILLEN
The Virginia under 18 girls travelled to Enniskillen with the under 15 girls for a double header on Sunday afternoon. From the kick off, neither team were giving an inch, and although the referee penalised the visitors for numerous infringements, Virginia were not allowing Enniskillen near their try line, and kept battling their way into the home twenty two. It took nearly thirty minutes of play before Virginia, following a penalty, were awarded for their efforts when Rachael McEnroe tapped the ball to Ava Fannin who crashed through the opposition for the first try of the match. The score remained 5-0 at half time.
The second half continued in the same vein, with both teams fighting for possession. The bitterly cold day did not help the ball handling and seen numerous errors from both sides. Following some excellent rucking from the forwards, the ball was passed out to the wing and Amanda McQuade broke through the Enniskillen back line for her team’s second try. The try was unconverted and the score remained 10-0 when the final whistle blew.
Squad:- Sarah Corrie, Eimear Coyle, Ava Fannin, Aine Corbally, Sorcha Higgins, Ciara Byers, Rachael McEnroe, Lisa Mullen, Megan Majury, Amanda McQuade, Amber Redmond, Ruth Gilsenan, Emma Lochaden, Hannah Grimes, Emily Gregory, Amy O’Dowd
SENIOR LADIES IN EPIC BATTLE AGAINST CAVAN
On Sunday last Virginia welcomed Cavan to Deerpark for the first match between the ladies in the forty year’s history of the club as the two teams competed against each other for the first time ever in the Ulster Division 1 Senior Womens League. This was always going to be a tough encounter for the home team, competing in their first season against the well-established experience of the Cavan team. There was an air of anticipation prior to the match, and the many spectators who turned out to watch on a very cold afternoon were not to be disappointed, and were treated to a very exciting match with the lead changing hands on numerous occasions.
Virginia opened the score early in the first half with the first try of the match from Sara Whitley 5-0. Cavan responded with one of their own and followed with a conversion 5-7. Virginia responded and took the lead again following Gemma Galligan’s try which remained unconverted 10-7. This was to remain the score at half time with Virginia leading.
The second half kicked off with the fight for possession continuing and Cavan’s efforts were awarded with another try 10-12. Cavan extended their lead with a further try 10-17. Virginia were not giving up and forward Megan Higgins crashed over for her team’s third try 15-17. Following a penalty awarded to the home team, Laura Keogan split the posts to take her team into the lead 18-17. Neither side were taking time to draw their breath at this point. Cavan however were to finish the game with a further try leaving the final score with a narrow winning margin of 18-22 in the visitor’s favour. The Virginia ladies never dropped their heads once during the match, and can be very proud of their titanic performance. Well done ladies and many thanks to Cavan for a sporting match. The ladies now earn a well-deserved rest from matches until the New Year.
Squad: Michelle McAuley, Jennifer Perez Redondo, Megan Higgins, Lisa Gillick, Victoria Whyte, Helen McQuade, Sara Whitley, Grace Kelly, Amy Whitley, Leah McCabe, Gemma Galligan, Laura Keogan, Rebecca Warren, Ciara Brown, Mary Snell, Nichola Lynch.
LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE YOUR CLUB YOUR CONTRY TICKETS THIS WEEKEND
Please ask any committee member or Coach for tickets. All proceeds go directly to the club and tickets are only €10 each with some excellent prizes on offer; a Summer Tour to Australia in 2018, Six Nations Match Packages, Vouchers to name but a few. All tickets to be returned this weekend.
