VIRGINIA RFC VRFC U14s Secure League Final Spot with win over Ballynahinch RFC
Virginia RFC U14s reached the Ulster League Final after an accomplished semi-final win over Ballynahinch on Saturday. On a beautiful morning for rugby they lined up against a big Ballynahinch side, and knew they were in for a physical encounter.
Virginia again started strongly, rucking impressively with Luke Brodie, Adrian Lynch and Ryan Shiels leading the way. Early pressure soon told on the visitors, and after a great turnover by Evan Charters, Nial Preston opened the scoring. Martin O’Connells conversion made the score 7-0. Virginias scrum was again dominant, with the front row giving hooker Ronan McKeown a great platform to win on both our and their put-ins. Ballynahinch however were a strong running side and as the half wore on the pressure built on the Virginia line. Superb defence kept the visitors at bay, and at half time the score remained 7-0.
The second half carried on in the same vein. Virginia however were trying to get the ball wide with good hands from Adam Sherriff and Adam Charters spreading the play. Cai Walker thought he had extended the lead after a strong run, but he was adjudged to have been held up. Play was quickly switched to the other wing though with a great run by Luke Tierney putting Jamie Davidson in space. He fought his way over in the corner to give Virginia a 12-0 lead. The visitors again came back strongly, and with the game still in the balance they were camped in the home twenty-two. Ferocious defence from the forwards, coupled with Aaron Kierans, Niall Carolan and Conor Hetherton keeping them at bay out wide meant they stayed scoreless, even when reduced to fourteen men when Aaron Hawthorne was yellow carded for going off his feet at the breakdown. Virginia freshened things up with the introduction of John Smith and Cian Doughty, and when back up to fifteen men they cleared the lines, and broke the resistance of Ballynahinch when Nial went over for the third try to make the final score 17-0.
They now face Malone RFC in the Ulster League Final on Sat 4th April in Cookstown.
The Virginia ‘A’ Side also took to the field this morning with a warm up game v Cavan RFC. A strong first half saw them trail just 5-0 at the break, but despite playing some great rugby their tackling let them down in the 2nd half eventually losing 27-0. Both Virginia sides start their Ulster Cup Campaigns next Saturday with the 1st XV hosting Ballymoney RFC, and the 2nd XV travelling to Donegal RFC. Good luck to both.
Under 18 Girls Advance to Cup Final
Sunday afternoon for the under 18 girls started with the presentation of a framed jersey to their sponsors Europa Takeaway and many thanks to them for their support of the Virgina Girls section of the club over the last few years, and we wish them continued success in their business.
The girls then welcomed Armagh RFC to Virginia for the semi final of the Cup. Virginia put their mark on the game within the first five minutes with a try from Amy Whitley in the corner. Keelin Brady added a second try and a pass from Sarah Gilsenan to Laura Keogan allowed her to add a third, both of the later ably converted by Laura. The half time score was 19 – 0 in Virginia’s favour.
The second half continued at the same intense pace as the first and the Virginia girls had to fight hard on several occasions to defend their line and deny Armagh a score, but they were not to be daunted, and Amy Whitley added a further three converted tries to the scoreline, one of which was a text book try when she kicked the ball up in the air, following throught to collect it as it bounced into her arms and continued on to score between the posts. Ciara Brown, following a pass out onto the wing went over in the corner shortly after. A ruck in the visitor’s twenty two was turned over by the Virginia girls and Leah Gregory went over between the posts for a final well placed try which Laura converted. Throughout the match both teams displayed some excellent defence and tackling and the standard of rugby displayed by the girls is a credit to their clubs and their coaches.
The full time score of 52 – 0 sees Virginia progress to the Cup final next Sunday being hosted by Armagh RFC and all support is greatly welcomed.
Team: Niamh Daly, Sara Whitley, Megan Higgins, Megan Brodie, Cáolinn McCormack, Keelin Brady, Diana Whyte, Victoria Whyte, Tara O’Reilly, Amy Whitley, Sarah Gilsenan, Laura Keogan, Leah Gregory. Rebecca Warren, Ciara Brown and Ciara Dent
Successful Annual Forest Run
A busy weekend at the club seen the annual forest 5k, 10k and family run commence from the carpark at 11am on Sunday morning. A great turnout of both runners and walkers took part and congratulations to all those who participated. A list of the results can be found on Virginia RFC’s facebook page, which shows the link to Accurace Timing. Thanks to everyone for their support, and to all the volunteers and helpers who contributed to another successful event.
Pics: Under 18 Girl’s team and their coaches, and main feature image is presentation of framed jersey to their sponsors Europa Takeaway!
