Round Up of the Ulster Carpets Sponsored Ulster Youth Rugby

One of the worlds leading manufacturers of carpets is the sponsor of Ulster Youth Rugby – Quite an honour!

This week we attended the Donegal Town v Omagh Rugby Youth systems and were astounded by the professional, developed and always developing structures in place in both clubs. Omagh rugby club had commissioned a 60 seater coach for the trip and the athletes arrived in time for the appropriate warm up and final patterns prep before the games commenced. The U14s played first and in full sunshine with minimal if any wind what unfolded was a hard fought, skillful and exciting game of rugby throughout. We counted more than one choke tackle, passing of both hands and expansive rugby using the full width of the pitch. Both sides had that excitement to get the ball out wide from a ruck deep in opposition territory if not the five meter line to release the back line for the corner try, both teams were putting together ten plus phases and using their structures to unlock defences.

Before the U14s game had finished the U16s game started on one of Donegal Towns other pitches and this game was different because both teams had targeted this one as an extremely important game in their pre crhistmas prep and undoubtedly the game was superb, Donegal were very much the aggressor with constant posession which was a credit to Omagh defence, Omagh were clinical in their counter attack when those chances came and came within one point of Donegal Town having led also at one point, there was nothing in this game, to watch it was excellent, good set piece development in scrum focus and lineout with players doing all the basics, you know off loads from motion, passing of both hands, catching, passing long straight flat passes and short pops fast and snappy and clinical, but also runners at pace, lineouts, scrums were fairly equal only because both teams had clearly made sure they were prepped for these.

For rights free images from both these games Two links below for images galleries at high resolution for free download (no copyright on these images or credit required, download is free)

CLICK HERE for the U16s

CLICK HERE for the U14s

There were of course a number of games played in the Ulster leagues, fixtures and scores where possible are below with submitted match reports again freely available for marketing purposes are all below.

Randalstown made the short trek to Mallusk for this friendly fixture with Ophir.A few minor adjustments were made to the teams so that everyone got game time and the welcome ‘Branch’ referee blew for kick off.The Randalstown lads quickly showed their intent immediately taking the game to the opposition and when winger Eoin Letters scampered down the wing to touch down it signalled what was to come.Patrick Mitchell showing increased determination and aggression punched holes in the Ophir defence and eventually burst through for a try beneath the posts before seven times capped Stephen Logan got on the scoresheet with a fine try and could have even had a second if he had practised his juggling skills.Centre James Murphy then used his considerable speed and evasive powers to touch down for the fourth try, Ruari Griffin adding the conversion.The last try of the half was a storming individual effort from captain Curtis Gay bursting through several tackles from all of thirty metres to leave the half time score 31-0.
Fair play to Ophir perseverance paid off when they scored two fine tries of their own in the second half and Randalstown had to focus more on defence, James Murphy and Conor Doran putting in great tackles.Andrew Stewart put in a tremendous amount of work all through the game.Daniel Cullen capped a ‘man of the match’ performance at scrumhalf with a superb try to bring the game to a close 38-10.Whilst no one will get carried away with this performance it was a good confidence building measure to be playing more matched opponents after all it is about development and fairness to Ophir for their sportsmanship and were deserved of their performance in the second half getting their two scores.
Team-Andrew Stewart,Luke Kirkwood,Ryan Magill,Patrick Mitchell,Conor Doran,Curtis Gay,Daniel Cullen,Ruari Griffin,Eoin Letters,Sean O Rawe,James Murphy,Stephen Logan,Eoghan Mc Ateer
Portadown U18’s continued their impressive league form with a 6 try win away to Coleraine.14-12 ahead at half time courtesy of first half tries from Rory Quinn and William Holden.The Portadown lads dominated the second half scoring 29 unanswered points. Scorers were a second touchdown for Rory Quinn, Michael Gill, Brad Green, with Ben Jameson adding a try, penalty and 5 conversions.

Virginia RFC U14s travelled to Co Antrim to take on Carrickfergus in a top of the table clash in the Ulster Premier League. Both teams came to the game having won 4/4 so far so a titanic encounter was expected on the shores of Belfast Lough.A evenly matched game ensued, with Virginia having to work hard for territory due to the ferocious tackling of their hosts, and giving away far to much territory due to poor tackling of their own. The early set plays also went the way of Carrick, but it was Virginia who opened the scoring. A quick ball of the back of a ruck by Daniel McConnan put Jamie Davidson in space, and his offload allowed Nial Preston to break a couple of tackles and run in under the posts from just outside the 22. Martin O’Connells conversion meant Virginia led 7-0.Carrick spent much of the rest of the first half pressuring. Some great tackling though by the visitors kept them at bay. Ronan McKeown, Adrian Lynch and Rioghan Smith all made crucial stops, but the penalty count was mounting. One transgression too many by Virginia led to Jamie being unlucky to receive a yellow card. Carrick couldn’t break the Virginia line though and settled for a penalty to make it 3-7 at half time.Carrick continued where they left off at the beginning of the second half and again the visitors were on the back foot. Heroic defence though again saw Virginia keep their try line intact. Ryan Shiels and Michael McKeon-Boyle, and Nial were immense through the middle, and if the ball went out to their backs Adam Charters, Aaron Kierans, Mark McSharry, and Paddy Gordon pressured the Carrick attack making tackles and forcing errors. Carricks backs though were excellent, and but for three timely try saving tackles from Luke Tierney at full back they would of been ahead.As the half wore on, Virginia started to get a bit more territory as their forwards began to pressure the scrum, with Evan Charters and Aaron Hawthorne taking advantage of a tiring Carrick front row. Cai Walker again disrupted any possession the hosts had, and Niall Carolan almost went over for a try, just being caught and forced into touch. With ten minutes to go, Virginia again found themselves in their own 22, but a clearing kick was chased down by Martin and despite being brought down he wasn’t held and was able to go in under the posts. His conversion meant they led by 11 pts. Robert Lochaden came on for Cai at the death, but a penalty for Virginia was put into touch to close out a 14-3 victory. Thanks to to Jason Henderson and Cian Doughty who traveled but didn’t get a game today.No trys conceded for two games is testament to the lads commitment in defence, work still to be done going forward though. Next game is Sat 22nd at The Deerpark when they host Rainey Old Boys, the Qualifying Team are also at home to Instonians.

Virginia Under 18s girls travelled to Ballymoney for the Ulster Girls Youth Blitz. On Sunday 16th November, the under 18 girls travelled to Ballymoney for the third Ulster Girls blitz of the season. After a long bus journey it took the girls a while to settle into their first match against Malone. This proved to be an evenly matched event with both sides fighting hard for possession. Amy Whitley broke through for the first score of the match, followed quickly by a second try from Laura Keogan. Malone fought back and added a try just before the final whistle. Final score 2 – 1 in Virginia’s favour.Virginia’s second match was against the host team Ballymoney, and Virginia dominated from the start, with three tries in succession from Leah Gregory. Laura Keogan broke through for a well placed try in the corner. Ciara Brown added a further try and Leah Gregory added her fourth to finish the match 6 – 0.Thanks to Ballymoney for their hospitality and well done on another successful blitz.Team: Keelin Brady, Megan Brodie, Ciara Brown, Niamh Daly, Leah Gregory, Megan Higgins, Laura Keogan, Justine McCabe, Cáolinn McCormack, Tara O’Reilly, Rebecca Warren, Amy Whitley, Sara Whitley, Diana Whyte & Victoria Whyte. Next weekend sees both the under 15’s and 18’s girls host Enniskillen at home for a league match.

Cavan U16s hosted Newry in another league match. Cavan kicked off and Newry’s Kascper Janik took the ball and ran hard into a large Cavan side. Newry’s forwards continued to run hard at the Cavan side and it wasn’t long until space opened wide for Newry’s backs to exploit. When Newry got the ball wide Trent Tucker was allowed to score in the corner within the first 10 minutes. Newry continued to control the game with Cavan making few if any decisions through-out the game. Through the game, the referee made very harsh decisions causing many penalties, which eventually ended in Cavan scoring a soft try. Newry continued their dominance with more tries coming from Newry’s backs Trent Tucker and a further 2 from Cathal O’brien who had a great game. Further into the second half Newry had a penalty at the 22 line, taken in by Chris Kelly who busted through 3 tackled to only be caught on the 5 metre line to off load to a supporting Joe Rice who then went over the line and scored the fifth try of the day.A good game from an unbeaten Newry side, who are now second in the league and have a top of the table clash with Ballynahinch next week, Newry will we well tested here against a very good Ballynahinch side who have won all their games.

Newry U14 also headed to Cavan this week with anticipation after being beaten by only 3 points at City of Derry Grounds a couple of weeks earlier. The pitch was heavy after the week of rain but it did not deter the boys. The whistle blew and straight away the Newry boys were up in the faces of Cavan team. Within 2 minutes Number 12 Mitchell McEvoy runs it across the line. Newry spent most of the first half pinned back by the bigger Cavan forwards. Newry’s front row of Mark McNally (playing second only ever game), Niall Smyth and Caolan Mynes had their hands full in the scrum and won 3 scrums against the head. The Lads were biting at the bit but Cavan held on and at the 20th minute slipped through Newry’s defence line to score a try.(5-5) Newry kicked off and made some great tackles. Matthew Kinnin and Niall Cluett worked hard at carrying the ball into contact and gaining ground and on the 27th minute Newry’s big Number 8 Niall Cluett broke the Cavan defensive line and scored in the corner. (5-10). Cavan kicked off and two minutes later Newry’s Niall Cluett gets a loose ball and heads for the line where he scores again. (5-15). Second half starts with Cavan up in the faces of the Newry pack. There was some great tackling around the fringes from James Keane and Padhraic Gibbons but within minutes they scored a try. (10-15). The play gets very tough and its feels that Cavan are starting to get the better of Newry but some counter rucking and last ditch defending by Phelim McGivern enabled Gary Hillen who was having a cracking game to run the length of the pitch and score. (10-20). Cavan came back when Newry was off guard to score a well worked move of the back of a scrum. (15-20) 15 minutes to go and at this stage supporters and coaches were on their feet shouting support to their respective teams. Cavan get another try. All square at 20 each. The heavy under footing was starting to take it toll on both teams. This then give the Newry team a chance to be more expansive with their rugby. Newry started to fix their counterparts and employed some great loop moves. Ryan Toal (Captain) catches a lovely ball from a sublime pass from Connor Dogherty and runs it in over the line. (20-25) 3 minutes to go with the Newry backs spreading the ball out wide Mitchell McEvoy steps inside the cover, backs himself and runs in another try under the posts on 30 minutes (20-30) Connor Dogherty Converts. Final score (20-32). What a match! Although it was a huge team effort Gary Hillen gets a well deserved man of the match.

Letterkenny youths started the day with three wins from three over Malone RFC. These performances were not only good, but they were against one of the most successful clubs in Ulster. Malone has tradionally been a rugby powerhouse in Belfast and are highly organised with excellent facilities and structures. These results at all levels show how far the youth system in Letterkenny has progressed. All teams are improving hugely and are training and playing with skill and commitment. One very noticeable feature of all teams is the open style of play with all teams playing an open brand of rugby with scores coming from forwards and back alike. Under 18s Letterkenny 32 Malone 7 Under 16s Letterkenny 33 Malone 14Under 14s Letterkenny 14 Malone 5

There were Two great wins on Saturday for the City of Derry youths. U14’s win 51-0 and the U16,s win 40-0 well done lads,wouldn’t want to be the one washing the U14’s kit though.

Qualifying U18
Inishowen vs City Of Derry
Larne vs Randalstown

U18 League Section 1
Banbridge vs Lurgan
Rainey Ob vs Armagh
Ballymena vs Monaghan Marcus Malley
Carrickfergus vs Virginia

U18 League Section 2
Letterkenny 32 vs 7 Malone
Coleraine 12 vs 41 Portadown
Donegal Town vs Omagh
Dromore vs Ballyclare

U18 League Section 3
Ballymoney vs Dungannon
Ballynahinch 34 vs 5 Clogher Valley
Cavan 7 vs 31 Newry Noel Treanor
Lisburn vs Ards Ted Edwards

U18 Friendly
Civil Service vs Instonians (Win for Civil Service)

Qualifying U16
Ophir 10 vs 38 Randalstown
Ballyshannon vs Enniskillen
Inishowen vs City Of Derry (win for City of Derry)

U16 League Section 1
Carrickfergus 5 vs 31 Virginia
Ballymena vs Monaghan
Rainey Ob 5 vs 35 Armagh

U16 League Section 2
Coleraine 36 vs 0 Portadown
Donegal Town vs Omagh
Dromore vs Ballyclare
Letterkenny 33 vs 14 Malone

U16 League Section 3
Ballynahinch vs Clogher Valley
Cavan 7 vs 31 Newry
Lisburn vs Ards

U16 Friendly
14/11/2014
19:30 Dungannon vs Civil Service
15/11/2014
Enniskillen vs Ballyshannon U15

Qualifying U14 15/11/2014
Ballyshannon vs Enniskillen
Inishowen vs City Of Derry (win for City of Derry)
Limavady vs Instonians
Ophir vs Randalstown Conor Boyle
Virginia vs Larne

U14 League Section 1
15/11/2014
Carrickfergus 3 vs 14 Virginia
Ballymena 20 vs 38 Monaghan
Banbridge 14 vs 45 Lurgan
Rainey Ob 0 vs 38 Armagh

U14 League Section 2
15/11/2014
Coleraine 31 vs 0 Portadown
Donegal Town vs Omagh (win for Donegal Town)
Dromore vs Ballyclare Justin Gerring
Letterkenny 14 vs 5 Malone

U14 League Section 3
15/11/2014
Ballynahinch 41 vs 0 Clogher Valley
Cavan 20 vs 32 Newry

U14 Friendly
14/11/2014
19:30 Dungannon vs Civil Service
15/11/2014
Enniskillen vs Ballyshannon U13