Virginia U15 Rugby Squad competed in the quarter final of the Ulster U15 league on a bright and perfect morning for rugby on Saturday last. The Deerpark grounds and clubhouse looked splendid and everyone there enjoyed another great performance from the ever improving U15 squad.
From the off Virginia piled on the pressure and Banbridge found themselves pinned inside their own 22 for the first 10 minutes. Constant pressure from the forwards ably led by Niall Farrelly and with superb tackling from Darren Brady eventually led to superb ball to the backs with Ben Conaty setting up the pacy winger Dáire McEnroe for Virginia’s first try.
A strong scrum from the Virginia Pack again set up the McEnroe/Conaty combination with the speedy Conaty darting through for Virginia’s 2nd try which Jason McMahon converted. McMahon at out half was very effective for Virginia and his kicking was causing all sorts of problems for Banbridge. Indeed one of these kicks set up Bailieboro man Brendan Argue for a great 3rd try for Virginia which was again converted by McMahon.
Virginia continued to pressure Banbridge and some fierce tackling by Eoin Somerville and Darren Brady on the flanks kept them on the back foot.On the wings Dáire McEnroe was dangerous as ever and Jack Faherty made some huge breaks along the line and also put in some huge tackles when necessary. Andrew Geraghty under the high ball at full back was as safe as ever and ran at the Banbridge defence with great confidence.
In the scrum Virginia were as solid as ever and Hooker; Dylan Farrelly, Props; Evan Doughty and Michael Nowak with Second Row; Niall Yore and Michael Faherty drove Banbridge off the ball on numerous occasions. In the line out Darren Brady was outstanding not only in the home side line outs but also in stealing from the Banbridge lineout with ease. Indeed Darren ran in a great try after Virginia had withstood a sustained period of pressure from Banbridge without conceding a score.
Good ball from Scrum Half Jason Winterlich and kicking from Jason McMahon resulted in a huge hit by Ben Conaty bringing Virginia back into the Banbridge 22. Good work from Props, Evan Doughty and Michael Nowak set up Niall Farrelly for a powerful run in under the posts after which Brendan Argue easily converted. Virginia then introduced Eric Shekleton and Remy Ivaskevicius to the fray and both settled in quickly to the game. Ian Goldrick, Peadar Doughty and Tristan Lotscher then stepped in and worked hard to help Virginia close out the game.
This convincing win sets Virginia u15s up for an Ulster appearance and a huge opportunity to make an Ulster Final for the first time. On the line Virginia still had a very strong bench to call on including Daniel Faulkner, Maliej Stolowski, Sean Ward, Dale Smith, Karl Golden and Robert McCabe.
Special thanks must go to the referee Fergal Brady who despite his years managed keep up with and keep the game flowing. Mentors Hughie Brady and Douglas Kincaide can only be happy with the work rate and attitude of this young side and will look forward to the Ulster Semi Finals next weekend.
