Virginia Rugby Club
U14s in Top of Table Clash v Clogher Valley
Perfect conditions for rugby this morning as Clogher Valley U14s visited The Deerpark for a top of the League clash. Clogher Valley were a quality side, first to the breakdown most of the time and gave 100% throughout the game.
Virginia however put some good rugby together too, taking advantage of the overlap whenever possible. Good running and excellent tackling from both forwards and backs worked well to seal a comfortable 45-5 victory, keep their 100% record intact, and go top of the table after three rounds.
Scorers were Conor Nulty with two trys, and Mark Gibney, Malachy Walker, Patrick Sheridan, Ciaran Levi Valensi, and Jake White Duffy with one apiece, with Jake adding 5 out of 7 conversions. The lads travel to Donegal RFC next weekend.
U16s Continue Great Start to Their Season
The sun shone on The Deerpark last Saturday as Virginia RFC U16s welcomed Clogher Valley as they looked to continue their strong start to their Ulster South League campaign. The home side blitzed the first half with some strong forward play, and ambitious intent as they threw the ball wide. Nial Prestons powerful run opened the scoring, before Aaron Mannion and Evan Charters added a pair apiece, with Aaron Kierans touching down too. Five conversions from Martin O’Connell meant they went in at the break 40-0 in front.
They started the second half as they finished the first. Jamie Davidsons’ powerful running was rewarded with a hatrick, whilst Martin added a try to his conversion tally, eventually racking up 8 kicks from 11. Clogher Valley however deserved huge credit as they refused the throw the towel in, spinning the ball wide to get their first score of the game after some lacklustre defence from Virginia. As the game came to a close, a great break by fly half Adam Charters was well supported by Cai Walker who put Aaron Kierans into space to add his 2nd try of the day and make the final score 71-7. Next week sees them return to Donegal along with the U14s and U18s.
Virginia U18 Girls Kick Off Their Season Away to Cloghervalley/Armagh
Virginia U18 Girls kicked off their season with an away fixture to the combined side of Cloghervalley/Armagh on Sunday afternoon last. The side welcoming several newcomers to the squad and the nerves were evident for the first part of the match. Fifteen minutes into the game, the home side were awarded a penalty and kicked it over with ease. The Virginia girls were not to be deterred and Keelin Brady went over the line for a well placed try fifteen minutes later. Just before half time Clogher/Armagh were awarded another penalty and the score was 6-5 in favour of the home side as the second half kicked off. The visitors seemed to have settled their nerves and showed some excellent skill dominating in the lineouts and scrums. Some great rucking from the visitors was eventually awarded with Ciara Brown going over for the side’s second try of the match and the conversion was kicked by Leah Gregory. The final result 12-6 to Virginia was definitely one they had to fight hard for but showed some great determination and skill especially from some of the new girls to the team.
Next match at home to Letterkenny on 23rd October at 1pm, and all support greatly welcomed.
Squad: Ava Fannin, Sara Whitley, Megan Higgins, Megan Brodie, Sorcha Higgins, Nicole Higgins, Victoria Whyte, Keelin Brady, Amber Redmond, Ciara Brown, Rebecca Warren, Amanda McQuade, Leah Gregory, Rebecca Snell, Ruth Gilsenan, Sorcha Fitzsimons, Sarah Drumm, Eimear Coyle, Ciara Byers, Hannah Grimes, Emma Lochaden and Leah McCabe.
Under 15 Girls Start Their Season in Style
Virginia under 15 girls travelled the long journey to Donaghadee on Sunday afternoon and a relatively new side kicked off their league season. It was the first opportunity for the coaches to see how the girls worked together, and the girls did not fail to impress showing some excellent skill and teamwork throughout. They emerged the victors with an impressive score line of 60 -19. Well done to all the girls and many thanks to Donaghadee for their hospitality.
Squad: Siun Smith, Amy O’Dowd, Bevin Moore, Caitlin Ryan, Niamh Brodie, Paula Salazar, Emer Caprani, Aishling McEnroe, Rachael McEnroe, Clara Corrie, Samantha Snell, Sorcha McCormack, Kaitlin Seavers, and Emily Grimes
Next league match at home to Letterkenny on 23rd October. Come along and support the girls.
