After a coach load of Minis supported Ireland in Lansdowne Road on the previous day, the U12’s shook off their weariness and hosted North Meath at the Deerpark on Sunday morning. Virginia started very strongly, and early on built up a four try lead. Good work at the ruck from Michael McKeown-Boyle and Sorcha Higgins, and quick distribution from Jason Henderson set up Evan Charters, Enda Maguire, Ronan McKeown and Aaron Kierans to touch down for the Ulster team. Cai Walker was once again quick to break up any North Meath attacks, and two barreling runs from Rioghan Smith, and a further try from Amanda McQuade made it 7-0 at half time.
A much changed Virginia team took to the field for the second half, and the disruption allowed North Meath back into the game. In the blink of an eye the score was 7-5, before Virginia rallied and found their feet. Forwards Rebecca Snell, Killian Collins, Patrick Smith, Niall Branagan, Adrian Lynch reestablished their superiority and gave half backs Aaron Cooke and Cian Doughty secure ball to work their way up the field. The tackle count increased with some hard hits coming in from Finn Lotscher, Jack O’Brien and Conor Hetherton. Ibykan Ajetummobi was held up over the line, before a strong run from Robert Lochaden gave Ibykan space to go again. This time there was no stopping him, and he touched down to secure victory for the home side. A late consolation for North Meath made the final score 8-6 to Virginia.
All Minis age groups will travel to Co. Down this Saturday to face hosts Banbridge, and Dromore.
