VIRGINIA RFC
Virginia U14s Secure Ulster Premier 1 Top Spot
After 16 games each it all came down one match between Virginia and Carrickfergus RFC in Armagh to decide who would finish top of the Ulster Premier 1 League.
The boys started strongly, with a front row of Aaron Hawthorne, Ronan McKeown and Evan Charters helping Virginia dominate the scrum, and Trojan work at the breakdown by Luke Brodie and Ryan Shiels giving them plenty of go forward ball. Adam Sherriff, in at scrum half for the injured Daniel McConnan, and Adam Charters were quick to set the backs in motion putting their opponents under early pressure, and we’re well rewarded when Jamie Davidson went over in the corner to make it 5-0. Carrick however would prove to be no pushovers. They were soon camped in the Virginia twenty two with only a brave defence holding them at bay. Aaron Kierans, Niall Carolan, and Luke Tierney led the tackle count, but Carrick were awarded a penalty and were soon back within 2 points. The opposition now had their tails up, and soon had their noses in front after a try of their own, quickly followed by another as they broke from their own twenty two to put themselves 13-5 ahead. The lads have come back from tough situations before though, and were soon pressuring Carrick, a break off the back of a ruck saw Martin O’Connell go over for Virginia. Continued pressure was then rewarded with a penalty, which Martin duly slotted over to make it 13-13 at half time.
Both sides went at it from the off in the 2nd half, Carrick however would score first, again giving them a 5 point advantage. Virginia responded though, firstly Jamie had a try disallowed for a knock on whilst grounding, but were soon level again as Nial Preston powered over to make it 18-18. A draw was enough for Virginia at this stage, and Carrick pressed hard to clinch the game. Great tackling by Cai Walker and Rioghan Smith kept Carrick scoreless, and the introduction of John Smith and Michael McKeon-Boyle helped the scrum get back on top and move the play back into the Carrick half. They held on until the final whistle to clinch victory, and the Ulster Premier 1 top spot. Mention must also be given to the unused subs on the day, Jake Sullivan, Mark McSherry, Niall Branagan, Cian Doughty, and Paddy Gordon, and also to all those in the extended squad who helped get the team to this position throughout the season.
They now face Ballynahinch in a league play off semi-final next Saturday. Well done to all the lads, coaches and supporters, a fantastic achievement.
Under 18 Girls Beat Bangor 58 – 0 In First Round Of The Cup
On Sunday the Under 18 girls travelled the long journey to Bangor for the first round of the Cup. In the first five minutes of the match, the hosts forced the visitors back into their twenty two, but Virginia were not going to allow themselves to be held there for long. Sarah Gilsenan made a break on the wing and crossed the line in the corner for the first try of the match. Ciara Brown then scored a well placed try under the posts which was ably converted by Laura Keogan. Sarah Gilsenan and Leah Gregory added a further two, again easily converted by Laura, leaving the half time score at 26 – 0. 
The second half kicked off with a try from Laura Keogan which came from a turnover in the Bangor twenty two, in which Laura gained possession of the ball from a Bangor penalty and kicked it the full length of the pitch to score in the corner. Following a Virginia penalty under the posts, Amy Whitley broke throught the Bangor defence for the her first try, which she immediatly followed by a further two tries to complete her hat trick of the match. Ciara Brown finished off the game in style with her second try. Laura Keogan’s kicking was on target for all the conversions with the exception of two..well done Laura. An all round great performance from the Virginia girls who showed some excellent teamwork, great ball work and scrummaging.
Virginia now look forward to the semifinal of the Cup due to be played next weekend.
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, and Ciara Brown.
