Saturday morning was an excellent morning on Sat 3rd, little wind at Ballymoney for the U18s game v Ards, blue skies, a little bit of sun in the athletes eyes as the angle of the sun is lower in the sky at this time of year and this probably had a little bit of impact in the first half although cloud cover did nulify this in the second half more or less, not a massive big deal but probably had a little material impact. The pitch underfoot was the Ballymoney main pitch in front of the substantial clubhouse and function \/ changing facilities including country bar etc, so good well maintained ground and good drainage has kept it very playable and safe for the athletes.<\/p>\n
The game itself was excellent from start to finish, everyone new their position specific responsibilities and also how to gel as an attacking or defensive force. The rugby was highly organised and flowing with stepping of both feet, evasive movement, good tackling low round the ankles, set pieces were very focused, and both teams as their league positions show had strength in depth, good players as subs and all in all we can say that both systems played really good rugby and there were as in every game instances of flair, speed, agility, and some absolutely beautiful tries were scored.<\/p>\n
We have compiled the following video interviews and footage of play below and interviews after the game<\/p>\n
[youtube 7RhLgTdE9J4]<\/p>\n
[youtube 9mHJviLi6io]<\/p>\n
[youtube PJd-sMFk5kM]<\/p>\n
[youtube 4gh0h3TJU40]<\/p>\n
[youtube Oz-chUteAs0]<\/p>\n
Previously on 27th of Dec we had visited Randalstown U14s v Banbridge and with U14 rugby really kicking forward in clubs across the key areas of advanced drift defence and advanced attack formations we were able to get the expert feedback of the coaches below<\/p>\n
[youtube a7u9vmtpT4k]<\/p>\n
[youtube fELEarbmL70]<\/p>\n
VIRGINIA RFC\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Virginia U14s \u2018A\u2019 come up short v Larne<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n There were perfect conditions at the Deerpark for an evenly matched Virginia U14 \u2018A\u2019 side against the visitors Larne in the Ulster Qualifying League.\u00a0 Virginia stunned the visitors by scoring the opening try after some quick work after the kick off by John Dolan, Jamie Osborne and Robert Lochaden for Jacob Englebert to storm over for the first try.<\/p>\n Larne quickly responded and after poor tackling from Virginia, they levelled the score.\u00a0 Virginia defended well despite being under pressure with try saving tackles by Jason Henderson, Jack O\u2019Brien and David Gibney.\u00a0 A great break by Jason was followed by some good forward play by the hosts resulting in a great try by Sean Erikkson which was converted by John Dolan putting the score at 12-5 to Virginia with five minutes to half time. Larne however were not lacking in spirit and after more poor defending by Virginia, the visitors ran in 3 try\u2019s before the break putting the score at 12-24 at half time.<\/p>\n The second half was fiercely contested between the forwards, with some good play by James Smith, Killian Collins, Thomas McGearty and Alex Perry, who was adjusting well to his new forward position.\u00a0 However, despite early pressure by Virginia, they were unable to penetrate the Larne defence and poor tackling again allowed the visitors to turn defence into attack and score under the posts. Larne had the momentum in their favour and despite some good tackling by Adam Sherriff, Billy Burke, Jack Vaughan and Cormac Brown the visitors scored another two try\u2019s under the posts to put the game beyond reach for the hosts.\u00a0 Full time score at the Deerpark was 12-42.<\/p>\n Virginia need to regroup for next weeks top of the table away trip to Civil Service in the Qualifying League, with a win needed to keep their challenge alive for an end of season play off place.<\/p>\n Presentation of \u20ac3,700 to Virginia Cancer Care on St Stephen’s Day<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n St Stephen’s Day celebrations kicked off at the clubhouse with the annual President V Captains selection and despite the weather a good crowd turned out to watch the match.\u00a0 This was followed by a presentation of a cheque for \u20ac3,700 to Virginia Cancer Care raised by some of the club coaches and members at the Movember shave off.\u00a0\u00a0 Well done to all involved.<\/p>\n Happy New Year to everyone from all at Virginia RFC, and please come along to the clubhouse to support any club events and matches throughout the year. New members always welcome.<\/p>\n Sat the 3rd of January \u00a0U14 match report\u00a0FINN VALLEY RFC U14s<\/p>\n Rainey OB U14s 26 Finn Valley RFC u14s 21<\/p>\n The U14s made the long trip to magherfelt to play Rainey OB of the premier u14 division in ulster , conditions were perfect with the sun bright in the sky . Rainey started off the better of the 2 team scoring 5 minutes into the game , the FV boys reacted well and nearly scored twice straight after but great Rainey defending stopped the tries . The FV boys found raineys big runners hard to stop as they ran in 3 tries to leave the game 21-0 at half time . At half time manager Declan Malley and captain Ben curran gathered the players trying to inspire them for the 2nd half , this clearly worked ! The 2nd half was a Finn valley controlled half , great work around the ruck caused captain Ben curran to break off and make a 40 yard run down the touch line and into the corner for a try !! Rainey werr shell shocked as only 2 minutes later the Finn valley forwards gathered the ball from kick off and bombed down the field , great driving from Adam Marley , Tomas Gallen and Oisin mcmenamin supported by the rest of the forwards caused Adam Marley to crash over under the posts for Finn valley’s 2nd try , Cody Laverty converted leaving the scores 21-14 , Finn valley desperately searched for the equalising try in the last 10 minutes but With too many boys committing to the ruck to try win the ball the Rainey number 10 saw the space and played it to the winger who scored in the corner , this was a blow to the young FV lads but that didn’t dampen their spirits. FV were rewarded for their fighting spirit when debutant Niall Gallen grabbed the ball 30 yards from the Rainey touch line and beat 6 defenders to score a great try , cody Laverty had another 100% kicking game and the final score was 26-21 to Rainey !! Manager Declan malley said after the game how proud he was of his players after nearly beating 1 of the best teams in ulster , next game is next week against strabane Academy .<\/p>\n Manager – Declan Malley<\/p>\n 1 Tomas Gallen 2 Oisin Mcmenamin 3 Niall Gallen 4 Jack Kennedy 5 Tiernon Kelly 6 Calvin Harvey 7 Adam Marley 8 Ben Curran 9 Evan hickey 10 Ryan Gallagher 11 Martin Herron 12 Jake Laverty 13 Cody Laverty 14 josh Mcgee 15 dean Harvey 16 Dara porter 17 Caolan o Donnell 18 Ian Walsh 19 Cathal Gallen<\/p>\n Portadown RFC U14 win 24 – 10 away to Enniskillen.<\/strong><\/p>\n After a home win against Omagh Portadown travelled, with only a squad of 16, to Enniskillen.<\/p>\n This meant some players having to move out of their usual positions.<\/p>\n The home team started strongly and looked dangerous when they spread the ball to the wings.Nevertheless, Portadown got their defensive shape and with the Enniskillen attack contained, Portadown started to work through phases of attack before full back Ross Chambers scored.Portadown had to work hard at the breakdown to secure the ball as Enniskillen counter rucked strongly.With the ball in hand Portadown moved the ball across the pitch in multiple phases which Enniskillen struggled to defend. Brent Magwood on the wing was a constant threat to Enniskillen and fast, evasive running was rewarded with a try.Complacency from Portadown’s defence allowed Enniskillen to score from deep in their own half.<\/p>\n However, Portadown responded working back into the opposition’s 22 and Ryan Neill took a pass at speed and broke through numerous tackles to score. Drew Flack converted for Portadown to lead 17-5 at half time.Unlike Portadown, Enniskillen had a full squad allowing them to bring on fresh legs.Portadown had to dig deep in the second half.It was closer battle in the second half with Portadown having to keep their defensive discipline.Enniskillen scored again and it looked like more were to followed. However, even carrying some injuries Portadown battled on and an angled run from Ross Chambers was only stopped just short of the line before Portadown forwards kept the ball available for a number of phases allowing Drew Flack to force in for a try which he then converted.<\/p>\n Enniskillen could not break Portadown’s stubborn defence and tried to kick in behind but Portadown’s back three of Callum Richardson, Brent Magwood and Ross Chambers were both brave in defence and dangerous in attack.A loose ball was kicked and chased down for Enniskillen to score. At the final whistle Portadown were out on their feet but their determination and commitment was the highlight of this game.Forwards Scott McDowell and Jordan Robb both played in the backline. Both making surging runs and willing to pass the ball through the hands.Second row Peter McAdam also impressed, winning ball in the lineouts and effective in the ruck.Overall this was gutsy team display from the entire team.\u00a0Both the referee and Enniskillen coaches praised the boys attitude and performance.<\/p>\n Thanks to Enniskillen for their hospitality.<\/p>\n Enniskillen U16s v Portadown U16s, Score Sequence<\/p>\n Donegal Town Rugby<\/p>\n Youth section\n
\n2nd Min Try Jamie Kelly conversion converted 7-0
\n7th Min Try Jarlath Maguire conversion converted 14-0
\n13th Min Try Jamie Kelly conversion converted 21-0
\n18th Min Try Portadown conversion not converted 21-5
\n24th Min Try Tyler Millar conversion converted 28-5
\n29th Min Try Tyler Millar conversion not converted 33-5
\n30th Min Try Eoin Cleary conversion not converted 38-5
\n34th Min Try Conner Maguire conversion converted 45-5
\n39th Min Try Jarlath Maguire conversion not converted 50-5
\n43rd Min Try Aidan McKenna conversion not converted 55-5
\n49th Min Try Tyler Millar conversion converted 62-5
\n55th Min Try David Patton conversion converted 69-5
\n58th Min Try Tyler Millar conversion not converted 74-5
\nFinal Score 74-5<\/div>\n
\nTwo teams were back in action after Christmas break
\nThe u14s were a bit rusty but recorded a 53-7 victory over a brave Ballyclare side to maintain their league title ambitions.Tries from Jamie Crawford (3),James Smith(2),Brian Fagan(2),Liam Doherty and Seamus Og Byrne with 4 conversions from Victor Mitchell making a welcome return to action after injury
\nA weakened u18s went down 24-0 to a strong Ballyclare squad.
\nTraining continues on Wednesday at Four Masters Astro pitch<\/p>\nBALLYMONEY RFC U18s\u2019 SUPERB VICTORY OVER ARDS<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n