Image ! virginia & Enniskillen RFC !

Virginia RFC U16s clinch win in top of table clash

The U16s welcomed Enniskillen RFC to The Deerpark last Saturday in the Ulster South League, with both teams coming into the game unbeaten.  Another fine dry morning on the new pitch was rewarded with a close game of rugby.

Virginia started the stronger, and early pressure and territory was rewarded after the visitors gave away a penalty, duly slotted home by Martin O’Connell. Enniskillen’s bigger pack soon got the upper hand though and they pushed the home side deep into their own half. Pressure told and Virginia were caught on the wrong side, Enniskillen taking their penalty opportunity to level the scores. Smart play by Virginia followed, as they realised they weren’t going to crash their way through the visitors. Going quickly wide they scored two trys in opposite corners after some great interplay from the backs, with Jamie Davidson first and then Martin O’Connell touching down, giving themselves a 13-3 lead at the break.

The second half was a more even affair, with neither side able to dominate, and Virginias defence held firm despite some real pressure from Enniskillen. With 10 minutes to go though, Enniskillen made a breakthrough and were awarded a penalty try when one of their backs was hauled down without the ball. The home side were not to be denied though, putting the pressure back on the Fermanagh team until time ran out and clinching a 13-10 victory.

The league takes a break next week, but the lads have a home friendly v Ardee RFC from Leinster on Sunday.