VIRGINIA RFC
Virginia U16 reach Youth Cup semi-final
Virginia U16 started their cup campaign at the quarter final stage against Ballymena at Deer Park on Saturday. After receiving a “bye” in the first round and the last minute forfeit of Portadown in the second round it actually was the first fixture disputed in the cup so far.
Following a disappointing loss in a friendly fixture the previous week in Barnhall, the Virginia lads were eager to make amend and really piled on the pressure on Ballymena from the off.
Virginia took the game by the scruff of the neck and were quickly rewarded when following a good succession of pick-and-go prop Conor Cahill scored the first try of the day from closed range. The transformation was missed in the windy conditions 5-0 after 3 minutes.
Virginia kept applying pressure and despite Ballymena fierce contest at the rucks, the hosts managed to retain possession and it wasn’t long before they added points to the score board by Captain Michael Gordon, 10-0.
Virginia dominated the game especially in the set pieces. The lineouts were solid and the locals even managed to steal a good number of opposition balls through second row Liam Maguire aerial skills. The Virginia pack also had a firm grip on the scrums, and managed to steal possession regularly.
The third try actually came from a ball won against the head in a scrum. The ball was flashed wide and good interplays between backs and forwards saw Maguire score his first ever try in an official game. Once again the conversion was not kicked and the score remained at 15-0 after 20 minutes.
Few minutes later Ballymena were again put under pressure in the lineouts forcing their hooker to over-throw the ball. Second row Dylan Tighe caught the ball and wasting no time took the opportunity to outpace the Ballymena defense to the line. 20-0.
Two more tries were scored before half time by Rory Smith and Charlie Reilly, with one of them being converted the score was 32-0 at the interval.
The second half saw more of the same, domination at the set pieces allow plenty of possession for the hosts and managed to add 2 more unconverted tries by Michael Gordon, Dylan Tighe. Ballymenan were still contesting fiercely at ruck time and managed to keep the ball for long spells of time to put Virginia defense under huge pressure. The hosts resisted well, repelling attack after attack. Ballymena never gave up and their effort were rewarded in the last play of the game when their winger pounced on a dropped pass from Virginia to run clear to the line.
42-5 final score.
A good performance by Virginia U16 squad, they will now play Carrickfergus in their semi-final at home on Saturday the 18th of April.
Squad:
(1-8): Conor Cahill, Steven Ryan, Michael Gordon, Dylan Tighe, Liam Maguire, Oisin Rahill, Rory Smith, Oisin Kiernan.
(9-15): Nathan McQuade, Adrian Rogers, Sean Warren, Charlie Reilly, Connor McHugh, Daragh O’Leary, John Cooke
Subs: Luke Sherriff, Owen Doyle, Enda McDuffie, Matthew O’Rourke, Oisin Cullen, Niall McWeeney, Fionn O’Reilly.
Virginia Under 18 Girls at Easter Camp for CAPS and MAPS
On Wednesday last four of our under 18 girls, Keelin Brady, Leah Gregory, Megan Higgins and Sara Whitley attended Cootehill Comprehensive school where an activity morning of tag rugby, soccer and indoor athletics had been organised for childen from both Cavan and Monaghan Autistim Parents Support groups. This skills sessions were run in conjunction with Cavan Sports Partnership and Monaghan Sports Partnership. The Virginia girls were delighted to have the opportunity to coach tag rugby to the three groups of children from Cavan and Monaghan. The children ranging in age from 5 to 17, enjoyed their morning and got the oportunity to participate in all three sports. All four girls enjoyed their morning also, and a big thank you to them for volunteering their time, along with all ther other volunteers involved on the day.
Successful Rugby Skills Day For Girls At Virginia RFC
On Saturday morning, Virginia RFC hosted a Rugby Skills day for Girls Only, which was held in conjuction with Cavan Sports Partnership and Ulster Rugby. Many thanks to Darren McGuigan, Community Rugby Officer from Ulster, and Jon Watt, Virginia Club Community Rugby Officer who coached the session and were delighted with a wonderful turnout of girls. It was great to see all the new girls come along on the day and give it a try, and Virginia RFC would be delighted to welcome you all back in the new season. The girls ranging in age from 12 -17 had a most enjoyable morning, learning new skills whilst having fun.
Under 10’s, 11’s and 12’s Enjoy Fantastic Day In Galway
On Satuday a group of under 10’s, 11’s and 12’s headed to Galway for what proved to be an fun filled action packed day. The morning started with a visit to Loughrea RFC where matches had been arranged against the hosts. They then travelled to Galway Sportsground to the Connacht V Ulster Guinness PRO12 match as guests of Adrian Leddy, Club President of Connacht Rugby, and father of the under 11’s coach, Hugh Leddy. The under 11’s and under 12’s provided a guard of honour for the Connacht and Ulster teams as they came onto the pitch for the start of the match, and the under 11’s also played against Creggs RFC at the half time interval. The day was not over for these lucky bunch of Virginia minis, who after the match had dinner in the Connacht Hotel where they met players from both the Ulster and Connacht teams. The RBS Six Nations Cup was the centre of many photos taken on the day and many of these photos can be been seen on Virginia Rugby Club’s facebook page. A day to be remembered by these young players, coaches and all the parents who travelled to Galway. Many thanks to all who contributed to this memorable day, Loughrea RFC, Creggs RFC and a special thanks to Adrian Leddy, Connacht Rugby President who also extended his hospitality to our club president Chris Corry.
Virginia RFC Notice of AGM
Mon 18th May 2015 8pm @ Clubhouse
1. Notices of Motion for approval at AGM; Submit to Secretary in writing 14 days before meeting to rfcvirginia@gmail.com
2. Nominations for Officers to be received Prior to meeting
