Virginia U18 Finish 2016 On A Good Note
Virginia R.F.C were hosting Ballyshannon R.F.C in the last league fixture of 2016.
In a crisp but sunny morning Virginia came out winner by 12 tries to 1 on a score line of 80-5.
An overall good performance by Virginia that conclude 2016 in style. Tries came courtesy of Nathan McQuade (3), Nial Preston (3), Gareth Mannion (3), Steven Ryan (2) and John Cooke (1). A feast of tries crowned by an excellent kicking performance by Daragh O’Leary with 10 out of 12 conversions.
Equally Ballyshannon must be commended for resilience and good spirit throughout the game. Their positive attitude was rewarded by a well worked out try from a clever lineout combination.
Training will continue over the Christmas break and league duty will resume on the 14th of January with a tricky trip to Enniskillen R.F.C.
In the meantime, enjoy your break, go easy on the turkey!
V.R.F.C: Owen Doyle, Luke Sherriff, Nial Preston, Samuel Ajetunmobi, Conor Cahill, Gerry Flynn, Steven Ryan, Rory Smith, Sean Warren, Adrian Rogers, Anthony Moore, John Cooke, Nathan McQuade, Andrea Fergola, Daragh O’Leary, Enda McDuffie, Tommaso Frausin, Oisin Cullen, Gareth Mannion.
U14s Leave It Late to Keep 100% Record Intact
Virginia RFC welcomed Ballyshannon RFC to the Deerpark for a frosty mornings rugby this morning, and the cold start proved difficult for them, with an error strewn opening 10 mins that put them on the back foot, eventually conceding the first try to go behind 5-0 . But they re-grouped and went back to basics, building good phase play through the forwards and releasing the backs out wide, resulting in Ciaran Levi-Valensi crossing the line twice to give them a 10-5 lead at the break.
Virginia looked to be in control early in the second half, attacking in the opposition twenty-two, but the quality of the Ballyshannon back line proved their worth with their number12 picking off a flat pass and running the length of the field to take the lead 12-10. Momentum seemed to be with Ballyshannon for most of the second half and it was toe to toe stuff as Virginia weren’t about to give up their unbeaten run easily. Possession changed hands regularly with every breakdown contested by both sides, Virginia eventually getting the upper hand with some great attacking play eventually seeing the ever reliable team captain Conor Nulty crossing for a try in the last minute. Final score Virginia 15 Ballyshannon 12.
That’s a perfect 10 as results go with 10 wins from 10 games, and clear at the top of the league. But with all teams showing a massive improvement it won’t be easy to stay ahead.
Under 18 Girls Continue to Hold Top of the League Table
The Virginia girls played hosts to the combined side of Armagh/Cloghervalley on Sunday afternoon, and within five minutes of kick off put their stamp on the match with their first try. From there they hit the ground running and this pattern continued through to the half time whistle which seen the score 27-0 in their favour.
In the second half the hosts did not let up the pace and the work rate of the forwards from excellent scrums and rucking combined with some great movement of the ball from the backs continued to pay dividends. The final score of 61-0 sees the Virginia girls go into the Christmas break top of the league table.
Under 15 Girls Welcome Donaghadee to Virginia
Virginia U15 ladies welcome Donaghadee to Deer park on Sunday. The girls’ intentions were clear from the kick off and relentless pressure from the forwards Leah O’Dowd, Emily Grimes and Clara Corrie saw Siun Smith crash down for the first try of the day. From Donaghadee’s kick off the Virginia girls put the pressure back on to the opposition 22 and through the hands of Rachel McEnroe, Amy O’Dowd and Kaitlin Seavers saw Siun touch down for her second. Minutes later fancy footwork from Aishling McEnroe, Samantha Snell and Sorcha McCormack got Rachel in for her first. Just before half time Donaghadee got in for their first try, leaving it 15 : 5 at the half.
After the restart Donaghadee got their second try and five minutes later their third, which left the sides level 15 apiece. Virginia rang the changes with the introduction of Paula Salazar and Martha Smith and this settled the ship. Good tackling from Christina Charters, Niamh Brodie and Bevin Moore saw the scrumhalf Rachel touch down for her third under the post and Clara kick the conversion leaving Virginia girls running out winners 27 : 20. The game ball was awarded to Paula who is heading back to Spain, the girls will miss her for the rest of the season.
St Stephens Day at the Rugby Club
Come along to the club on St Stephens afternoon for our annual post Christmas match and meet up with some old and new friends. Everyone welcome.
