90+ Teams were in action on Saturday in the leagues with teams from all over Ulster competing across the U18, U16 & U14 age groups. This community of players are excelling across the core skills of passing of both hands, off loads, line breaks, lineout plays, scrum plays and training their bodies and minds to think and work as teams developing wolf pack mentalities as they dismantle defences and action unreal defencesssss. These teams are scoring tries left right and centre 5 pointers are rolling in everywhere! One person remarked last week that he actually saw a team score from pick and goes under the posts and then a player touched the ball at the base of the post protectors! Saturday was a whirlwind of youth rugby and below is a round up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( full list of scores games and essential reading reports below)
At U18s in the qualifying league Instonians played Ballynahinch, Finn Valley played Rainey Ob and Inishowen played Coleraine while in Section 1
it was Virginia v Monaghan & Banbridge v Carrickfergus. In section 2 Ballyclare v Donegal Town, Dromore v Letterkenny, Malone 19 v 12 Omagh &
Portadown v Enniskillen. In section 3 Lisburn played Cavan, Ards played Ballymoney, Clogher Valley played City Of Derry and Newry played Civil Service.
The Ballymoney Ards game was a close one ending 24 to 17 in favour of Ards, the game was played at Ards in windy conditions, the Ballymoney players took the game to Ards from the start and William Parkhill scored a try from good running which was converted by Pattison. The Ards centre from immediate retaliation by Ards scored an unconverted try. For some time a stalemate on the 22s was broken when an Ards player caught the Ballymoney defence unawares to run in for the try between the posts. Ards also registered a penalty before half time – Score 19-7.
Ballymoney regrouped at half time but Ards scored another unconverted try. This spurrthe Ballymoney players into action and they began to take control of the game and did so until it led to an excellently scored try by Pattison, followed 5 minutes before time with another try leaving the final score at 24-17.
For Armagh there were two fine wins for the Youth teams at home to Randalstown. The U16s won 66-0 in a comfortable run out which served as a good warm up for next weeks game away to Ballymena but pride of place went to the U14s who played superbly to beat last years League and Cup winners by 3 tries to two and a final score of 19-12 – congratulations to all players and coaches.
Ballynahinch U16s & U14s have been emmense since the opening of the season!
Ballyshannon under 14 team with coach Clinton Morrow who were defeated at Strabane Academy but showed huge improvement in a great game! — with Odhran Mc Garrigle and James O’Donnell.
The Carrick youth teams made the difficult journey to Banbridge for round two of this seasons league fixtures. The U18s again allowed their opponent to build up a commanding lead before staging a comeback that almost resulted in them taking something from the game! Final score 23-15 to Banbridge. With no game next week the coaching staff will be working hard on plugging these defensive holes before the teams next competitive fixture against Virginia.
Carrick U16s got back to winning ways with a convincing 28-5 victory. Special mention to flying winger Rory Snoody who bagged himself a brace of tries and was the happiest man in all of Banbridge!
Carrick U14s made it two wins from two in the league with an impressive victory against a physically big and typically abrasive Banbridge team. The game kicked off late due to the late arrival of several home players and indeed it was the home side who took the lead with a breakaway try from their strong running centre. Carrick replied with a converted try from Ciaran Wilson and indeed took the lead with a well worked blindside score from winger David McCracken. In the second half a further score from Ciaran Wilson and another newly converted back Jack Cooper meant at the final whistle Carrick won 26-7.
At Qualifying U16 on the 18/10/2014 Finn Valley played Rainey Ob (Rainey Won), Inishowen played Coleraine (awaiting score), Ophir played Ballymena 2 (awaiting score) and Instonians 0 vsBallynahinch 31 another big win for Hinch.
In U16 League Section 1 Armagh 66 vs 0 Randalstown, Banbridge 5 vs 26 Carrickfergus, Virginia vs Monaghan
Meanwhile in U16 League Section 2 Ballyclare 12 vs 3 Donegal Town, Dromore 12 vs 3 Letterkenny, Malone 24 vs 17 Omagh
Portadown 7 vs 50 Enniskillen. In U16 League Section 3 it was Lisburn 26 vs 19 Cavan, Clogher Valley vs City Of Derry, Ards vs Ballymoney and on u16 frindly was a big score for NEwry Civil Service 84 vs 0 Newry
Enniskillen Under14s and Under 16s Vs Portadown (Away)
Saturday morning saw the young Enniskillen teams travel to Portadown for their Ulster Branch League competition,
With the Portora lads not available due to School games it was a small squad of Under 14s who faced a large and experienced team from the Co Armagh town, the coaches knew that it would take a great effort from the Enniskillen boys to get a favourable result, and although they held out for the first 20 minutes and put pressure on Portadown with both forwards and backs working very well in defence, they found it difficult to repel the continued pressure and eventually conceded several tries however the Enniskillen boys should be satisfied with way they played if not with the result.
It was a reverse for the Under 16 squad as they had a full compliment of players to call upon against a Portadown team who could just field 15 lads on a blustery but bright morning.
The Skins boys immediately showed they meant business with Jarlaith Maguire bursting through the defence after only 2 minutes to open the scoring then Rory Morris picking up a spilled ball to add a further 5 points, the onslaught continued when captain Aiden McKenna ripped the ball away from a Portadown defender then sprinting over the whitewash to leave the Armagh boys 19 to nil down with only 9 minutes played.
Regular readers of these match reports may have noticed the absence of the name Tyler Millar from the score sheet so far and it was after 15 minutes that the prolific center added his first of the day to bring the tally to 24 nil.
The Portadown players responded with strong running and good handling resulting in their winger scoring and the conversion brought them 7 points.
When Eion Cleary broke off from a line-out and created the space it allowed young Millar to run a good offensive line and add his second of the day before the half time whistle with the score 31 to 7.
The second half started in an even more impressive fashion for the away side when the pack responded to instructions at the break and right from the kick off they ripped the ball away and wing forward Kelly fed his back row partner Cleary for his second of the morning and another great carry by Maguire and Scallon left the defence with no answer to the pace and angled running of Millar for his hat trick. The next ten minutes showed that Portadown have a steelier side and with the vociferous spectators getting behind them they stemmed the flow and tried to regroup, however they did not reckon on the pace and determination of fullback Jamee Magee who on taking a high ball in his own 22 ran back at the Portadown chasers and sidestepped two tackles in his own half then sprinted a further 40 yards before a crunching tackle brought him down but support was on hand with the impressive Cleary who picked up his own hat trick and brought the score to 50 to 7.
Portadown got the last score with an unconverted try which left the end tally off 50 to 7 to the Enniskillen lads after eight excellent tries and 5 conversions from out-half Maguire.
The league campaign continues next weekend with an away trip to Belfast side Malone!
Newry v Civil Service
Civil Service-0 Newry-84
Newry Rugby travelled to Civil Service at Stormont hoping for a tight game which was not achieved. Throughout the game Newry dominated in every feature of the game from the forwards to the backs. With forwards like Dalton, McNally and Smyth securing and winning ball all day, they allowed Newry’s backs to play free flowing rugby scoring in the corner time and time again through Cathal O’brien, Kasper Janik and Trent Tucker. An especially good performance from Jack Halpin who scored his first ever try for Newry on Saturday. Another good performance from Joe McGuinness who has finished his second game of the season making especially good lineout throws this season.
Newry hope to carry on our high score lines to our next game away the City of Derry.
Omagh report v Malone
U18s valiant fight back against Malone proves a bridge too far
Omagh suffered their first defeat of the season despite a stirring second half fightback, after trailing 19-0 at the break
Malone U18s 19 Omagh U18s 12
Omagh suffered their first defeat of the season despite a stirring second half fightback, after trailing 19-0 at the break. Late cry offs caused havoc with Omagh’s preparation, leaving some players turning out in unaccustomed positions. As a result the home team dominated the early stages, setting up camp in Omagh half. The Malone back line was a constant threat, and after a period of pressure they moved the ball wide for the winger to score in the corner. The conversion was missed. Omagh responded well with Aaron Heatherington being stopped just short of the line as they started to settle. However, as half time approached, Omagh were hit with a double sucker punch. First Malone gathered a loose kick and ran the ball from deep to score under the posts, and then their center intercepted a wayward Omagh pass to race clear and touch down. Both tries were converted, to leave the home team 19-0 to the good at the break.
The second half continued in the same vain as Malone continued to press, but the Omagh boys dug deep and grew in confidence after a great defensive effort prevented further scores.With flankers Macauley Killen and Aaron Crozier tackling anything that moved, and backs Nathan Cummings, Trent Brown, Leon Clarke and Eamon Orr putting in some great hits to prevent the home back line from breaking through, Omagh began to turn the tide. Michael McColgan lead from the front with Sam Hamilton and Ryan Flanagan also making some great runs to take the game to their opponents. Now getting some go forward ball Omagh could go through the phases with pods of forwards running short lines under the direction of scrum half Stewart Robinson. On the hour mark Omagh were rewarded when, after good approach work, Cummings put Mark Doherty clear to score in the corner. Omagh continued to play the better rugby as they tried to pull the game out of the fire. However it was not till the last play of the game that they added to their score. Good work by the forwards again took play up to the home line and quick recycled ball saw McColgan crash over for a well deserved score. Robinson converted with the last kick of the game. Despite the loss the Omagh boys deserve great credit for the spirit they showed in not letting their heads drop to turn in a great second half display which almost rescued the game.
The u14s are showing unbelievable hand eye coordination and really making everyone think twice about their attitude towards this age group, these players have been playing rugby for 10 years and its showin! The defensive formations, passing and right attack and wolfpack mentality is exceptional, this week Finn Valley 17 vs 24 Rainey Ob, Inishowen vs Coleraine (awaiting score did this game happen?)
Ophir vs Larne Gordon Taylor was the ref here, Strabane vs Ballyshannon Strabane won Instonians 0 vs 51 Ballynahinch another half century for Hinch and Virginia vs Civil Service Service Won.
In U14 League Section 1 Banbridge 7 vs 26 Carrickfergus, Armagh 19 vs Randalstown 12, Lurgan vs Ballymena and
Virginia 17 vs 12 Monaghan. Meanwhile in U14 League Section 2 Dromore vs Letterkenny, Malone vs Omagh,
Portadown 41 vs Enniskillen 5, Ballyclare 10 vs 53 Donegal Town but in U14 League Section 3 Ards vs Ballymoney
and Clogher Valley 39 vs 17 City Of Derry! Virginia v Servic (a) was 29 win for Service!
Portadown report v Enniskillen
McDowell Hatrick earns U14’s emphatic victory
Portadown U14s took to the field on a beautiful sunny but very blustery chambers park on Saturday morning to tackle Enniskillen
Portadown where on the offensive right from the start playing with wind advantage at their backs.
A strong run from number 8 McDowell supplied scrum half Drew Flack for the first try of the contest.
Strong play from the PRFC forwards gave the platform for NO.8 McDowell to score his first try of the game ensuring a strong start for the home side.
Soon after McDowell scored his 2nd try and with Enniskillen under increased pressure the ball was spread wide to the backs and centre Luke Anderson squeezed over for an excellent finish under the posts to make it 24-0 at half time
The 2nd half started brightly again for the home team,building once again through the forwards,Man of the Match,Mark Neilly was rewarded for his fantastic all round play with a bursting run from close range for Portadown’s 5th try
A fantastic run from the versatile Murray Gilmore almost presented him with a superb solo effort only to be stopped at the last moment by an excellent Enniskillen cover defence.
Flack scored again and McDowell touched down late on to complete his hatrick and seal the victory.
Centre Adam Speers had the unenviable task of kicking conversions in the strong breeze and finished with a creditable 3 kicks from 7.
A very pleasing all round team performance from the U14’s and credit must go to Enniskillen who never gave up and kept the game competitive right until the end and managed a score of their own late on to make the Final score Portadown 41 Enniskillen 5
Match report Gareth Erskine
Virginia v Monaghan
U14s Premier League v Monaghan: A feisty and tetchy encounter took place at the Deerpark Saturday morning. Virginia came out of the blocks like lightning. The forwards dominated possession, Evan Charters, Ronan McKeown, and Aaron Hawthorne all rucking well to keep possession. Daniel McConnan at Scrum Half and Jamie Davidson at fly half marshalled their backs well, and Virginia went wide with abandon through Aaron Kierans and Cian Doughty. A great bit of link play saw Martin O’Connell run in the first try to make it 5-0. The home side weren’t finished as the backs again put Martin in space, this time going in under the posts and converting his own try to make it 12-0. Monaghan are a strong side though and came back at the hosts. Virginia defended ferociously however, with Adrian Lynch and debut boy Ryan Shiels racking up the tackle count. As another Monaghan attack broke down Nial Preston made a powerful run down the line to put the hosts 17-0 in front. Again the visitors attacked and despite dome heroic defence conceded a dubious try to go into the break 17-5 up.
The second half was dominated by Monaghan, but it was a good test for Virginia who defended brilliantly. John Dolan also making his debut, and the more experienced Luke Tierney tackled well to stop any wide plays, and Nial, Cai Walker and Rioghan Smith as ever broke up any attacks down the middle. Monaghan scored again and the subsequent conversion made it a five point game. Virginia however held their nerve and finished the game 17-12 winners..
Next up an away trip to last years Ulster Cup Winners Randalstown.
Virginia ‘A’ v Civil Service
U14s Qualifying League v Civil Service: After two wins from two Virginia welcomed their visitors from Belfast, and soon knew they would be in for a tough afternoon. The first half was a very close affair. The visitors had a strong running backline but Virginia were a match for them, Paddy Gordon, and Cormac Lynch on his debut tackled well in the backs, and there were strong performances in the pack from Ibykan Ajetummobi, James Smith and Jack O’Brien. When the hosts hadthe ball Jason Henderson and Adam Charters managed the backs well, threatening the Civil Service line, but they just couldn’t work an opening. It looked like being a scoreless first half but the visitors broke the deadlock late on, their conversion making it 7-0 to Civil Service at the break.
Virginia however were blown away for a period at the beginning of the second half, and despite some try saving tackles from Alex Perry, Cormac Brown and Adam Sherriff, found themselves on the wrong end of a 4 try blitz from the Belfast team, and 29-0 down. Pride however took over and Virginia finished strongly. Robert Lochaden who was outstanding throughout, Niall Branagan and debut boy John Smith won some great ball in the loose, and at the death Jack Vaughan went over in the corner for a well deserved try. An excellent touchline conversion from Michael McKeon-Boyle made the final score 29-7 to Civil Service.
A spirited performance in the end from Virginia, who know they need to up the ante for next weeks visit to Ophir RFC.
FULL LIST OF GAMES AND SCORES SO FAR! BELOW
Qualifying U18
18/10/2014
Instonians vs Ballynahinch
Finn Valley vs Rainey Ob – Rainey Won score TBC
Inishowen vs Coleraine
U18 League Section 1
18/10/2014
Virginia vs Monaghan
Armagh vs Randalstown
Banbridge vs Carrickfergus
Lurgan vs Ballymena
U18 League Section 2
18/10/2014
Ballyclare 22 vs 7 Donegal Town
Dromore 31 vs 13 Letterkenny
Malone 19 vs 12 Omagh
Portadown vs Enniskillen
U18 League Section 3
18/10/2014
Lisburn 38 vs 7 Cavan
Ards 24 vs 17 Ballymoney
Clogher Valley 18 vs 20 City Of Derry
Newry 27 vs 20 Civil Service
U18 Friendly
18/10/2014
Civil Service vs Newry (win for Newry)
Qualifying U16
18/10/2014
Finn Valley vs Rainey Ob (Rainey Won)
Inishowen vs Coleraine
Ophir vs Ballymena 2
Instonians 0 vs Ballynahinch 31
U16 League Section 1
18/10/2014
Armagh 66 vs 0 Randalstown
Banbridge vs Carrickfergus
Virginia vs Monaghan
U16 League Section 2
18/10/2014
Ballyclare 12 vs 3 Donegal Town
Dromore 12 vs 3 Letterkenny
Malone 24 vs 17 Omagh
Portadown 12 vs 50 Enniskillen
U16 League Section 3
18/10/2014
Lisburn 26 vs 19 Cavan
Clogher Valley vs City Of Derry
Ards vs Ballymoney
U16 Friendly
18/10/2014
Civil Service 84 vs 0 Newry
Qualifying U14
18/10/2014
Finn Valley 17 vs 24 Rainey Ob
Inishowen vs Coleraine
Ophir vs Larne Gordon Taylor
Strabane vs Ballyshannon Strabane won
Instonians 0 vs 51 Ballynahinch
Virginia vs Civil Service Service Won.
U14 League Section 1
18/10/2014
Banbridge 7 vs 26 Carrickfergus
Armagh 19 vs Randalstown 12
Lurgan vs Ballymena
Virginia vs Monaghan
U14 League Section 2
18/10/2014
Dromore vs Letterkenny
Malone vs Omagh
Portadown vs Enniskillen
Ballyclare 10 vs 53 Donegal Town
U14 League Section 3
18/10/2014
Ards vs Ballymoney
Clogher Valley 39 vs 17 City Of Derry
