Virginia RFC under 15’s dominate local derby
Virginia U15’s played Cavan at home last Saturday on a bitterly cold morning that saw many balls spilled and knocked on by cold hands on both sides. Virginia were first to score with tries from Ben Conaty and Niall Farrelly and a conversion by Daire Mc Enroe. However Cavan rose their game and responded well with a nicely worked try of their own when they caught the Virginia backs napping and slipped in to score in the corner. They failed to put the conversion over but at this stage the game appeared to be set up for a good competitive clash. Unfortunately however, Cavan’s challenge died down and this was to be their only score on the day. Virginia ran away with the game from here on scoring eleven tries in total, running out easy winners on a scoreline of 59 – 5.
Try scorers on the day were Ben Conaty (4), Niall Farrelly (3),Daire Mc Enroe (3 tries and 1 conversion), Jason Mc Mahon (1try and 1 conversion)
Virginia RFC under 13’s empty their bench as they put seven up on Cavan.
Virginia U13s utilised the full strength and depth of their squad this week against Cavan. The talent in this squad is beginning to manifest itself with tremendous performances and the result this week did not disappoint their supporters. Virginia won by 39 – 0 scoring 7 tries and 2 conversions. This result can be put down to the excellent coaching from forwards and backs coaches Andy O’Neill and Brian O’Donoghue and to the great attitude of the squad.
The game itself took place in strong windy conditions with Virginia backs displaying some very good passing moves from the start. Nathan McQuade was at the base of every ruck and maul supplying quick ball to scrum half Nathan McCabe and centers Liam Maguire and David Costello. Wingers Daragh Kiernan, Algirdas Mockus and Conor Farrelly made some menacing runs at Cavan backs and credit to Cavan’s No 15 who made some fine tackles to prevent a landslide score for Virginia.
However the dominance of Virginia’s forwards was the difference on the day. All tries scored came from the forwards. Notable tries were scored by Peter Nulty from the back of a maul and Conor Cahill who refused to be stopped to score the final try of the day. Other forward scorers were “galloping” M.Gordon (1), “crusading” G.Flynn (2), “Quiet Man” O.Kiernan (1) and “the Bolt” R.Smith (1). Niall McWeeney in at no 6 made some good defensive tackles and with Charlie Reilly supporting numerous good phases of play. Out half Nathan McCabe scored 2 excellent conversions in very difficult conditions.
In the final 10 minutes Virginia emptied their bench which led to more open play from their replacement backs Lee Burdis, James Smith, Adrian Rogers and Luke Sherriff to see out the game with an excellent team performance.
Coolmine prove just to string on the day
Virginia U9’s had their first Home Match of the year against Coolmine on Sunday last. Virginia were outclassed in the first half by Coolmine who scored 3 trys without reply, their Rucking, Mauling and Passing was far superior to Virginias, however, a half time team talk by Cialian Cahill saw Virginia go out for the second half with more determination. Donal, Patrick, Oisin and Eli were singled out by the coach to take the game by” the scruff of the neck “and turn it around. Virginia responded with 3 trys but Coolmine finished out the game stronger and won by 5 trys to 3. Virginia’s overall play was very good. Congratulations to Coolmine and we look forward to the return visit in the near future.
The Virginia Team: D.Maguire, H.McQuade, J.Kelly, D.Filby, P.Sheirdan, M.Walker, E.Caffrey, O.Rourke, N.Tobin, JW.Duffy, G.O’Sullivan, C.Delaney, A.Goldrick, G.Goldrick and K.Duffy.
