Virginia RFC youths travelled away to Portadown RFC and completed a white wash of results over their opposition last Saturday. Virginia’s 13s and 15s had resounding wins yet the game of the day must be credited to Virginia’s 17s. They eclipsed arch rivals in the league in an enthralling sporting game by scoring a try in the last minute.

Virginia rfc U13s V Portadown.28.01.12

Vrfc U 13s continue their unbeaten run with another good display winning 42 - 0. Virginia’s forwards pressurised Portadown keeping them pinned in their own half for the first 20 mins. Virginia backs capitalised on this with some great running and passing moves. Conor Farrelly and Ronan Patterson scored two tries apiece. As the first half closed Lee Burdis scored a good individual try along the touch line and Gerry Flynn scored following progressive phases by a workman like Virginia forward pack. Both James Smith and Adrain Rogers completed 100% of their conversion kicks with 3 each.

During the second half Virginia made substantial changes introducing a complete new back row. New comers Evan O Reilly Algerdas Mockus and Josh Cummins got immersed in a tough second half and displayed good composure in a more competitive game. Portadown’s defence managed to prevent Virginia from scoring several more tries with some robust tackling. Virginia’s team work deserves a mention as they maintained the pressure on Portadown until the final whistle.

Squad: G.Flynn, L. Sherrif, C.Cahill, M.Gordon, O.Kiernan, N.McWeeney, R.Smith, C.Reilly, N.McQuade, J.Smith, A.Mockus, L.Burdis, R.Patterson, R.Browne, C.Farrelly. L.Maquire, A.Rogers, N.McCabe, S.Doughty, J.Cummins, E.O’Reilly, P.Nulty. B,Brunton, D.Kiernan, O.Rahill, D.Costello, J.Sheckleton, L.Kieran, E.O’Connell, D.O’Leary.

Virginia U13s utilised the full strength and depth of their squad this week against Cavan. The talent in this squad is beginning to manifest itself with tremendous performances and the result this week did not disappoint their supporters. Virginia won by 39 – 0 scoring 7 tries and 2 conversions. This result can be put down to the excellent coaching from forwards and backs coaches Andy O’Neill and Brian O’Donoghue and to the great attitude of the squad.

The game itself took place in strong windy conditions with Virginia backs displaying some very good passing moves from the start. Nathan McQuade was at the base of every ruck and maul supplying quick ball to scrum half Nathan McCabe and centers Liam Maguire and David Costello. Wingers Daragh Kiernan, Algirdas Mockus and Conor Farrelly made some menacing runs at Cavan backs and credit to Cavan’s No 15 who made some fine tackles to prevent a landslide score for Virginia.

However the dominance of Virginia’s forwards was the difference on the day. All tries scored came from the forwards. Notable tries were scored by Peter Nulty from the back of a maul and Conor Cahill who refused to be stopped to score the final try of the day. Other forward scorers were “galloping” M.Gordon (1), “crusading” G.Flynn (2), “Quiet Man” O.Kiernan (1) and “the Bolt” R.Smith (1). Niall McWeeney in at no 6 made some good defensive tackles and with Charlie Reilly supporting numerous good phases of play. Out half Nathan McCabe scored 2 excellent conversions in very difficult conditions.

In the final 10 minutes Virginia emptied their bench which led to more open play from their replacement backs Lee Burdis, James Smith, Adrian Rogers and Luke Sherriff to see out the game with an excellent team performance.

Virginia RFC U13's 42

Portadown RFC U13's 0

Virginia rugby Under 13's continued their winning streak with another convincing win, scoring 42 points without reply in this one sided game. This is their second 40 plus point victory in a row. Virginia u13s had a similar result beating Cavan 42 -0 last week in Swellen Pk. The u13s has a 30 strong squad most of which is a result of Virginia’s successful Mini’s rugby development.

The Portadown game started well for Virginia with their forwards dominating all the scrums, rucks and procession at the break down. Notable displays were by Gerry Flynn (1 try), Oisin Kiernan (3 tries) and Conor Cahill. The backs also played their part with good passing moves resulting in three well deserved tries by James Smith (2) and Ronan Patterson (1). Virginia cleared their bench at half time giving a welcome start to new comers Josh Cummins, Evan O Reilly and Robert Brown all of whom played well.

Squad: G.Flynn, L. Sherrif, C.Cahill, M.Gordon, O.Kiernan, N.McWeeney, R.Smith, C.Reilly, N.McQuade, J.Smith, A.Mockus, L.Burdis, R.Patterson, R.Browne, C.Farrelly. L.Maquire, A.Rogers, N.McCabe, S.Doughty, J.Cummins, E.O’Reilly, P.Nulty. B,Brunton, D.Kiernan, O.Rahill, D.Costello, J.Sheckleton, L.Kieran, E.O’Connell, D.O’Leary.

Virginia U13 kicked off the 2011-12 season with a hard fought win away at Swellan Park, Cavan. Both teams fielded bigger and stronger squads and were very well matched physically. Virginia won the toss and played with the very strong wind behind their backs. From the start Virginia looked to move the ball wide to their pacey backs based on the strength of strong rucking by the forwards, especially Shane Doughty, Luke Sherriff and Conor Cahill.

Despite the strong wind behind Virginia, Cavan pegged Virginia deep in their own half for much of the first quarter. Great tackling in the Virginia back line by Daragh Kiernan and Rory Bett stopping Cavan reaching the try line in the corner. The wind also caused havoc with the line outs and a lot of crooked ball meant a lot of scrums. The Virginia scrum was solid and with second row pair Oisin Rahill and Liam Maguire locking the front row in place time and again to secure Virginia ball.

After being pinned in their own half Virginia finally broke free of the Cavan defence near the end of the first half. After 3 consecutive rucks going forward the tenacious Nathan McQuade finally got quick ball from his pack and sensing some gaps fed out to waiting open side flanker Lee Burdis. Lee saw the field open up and with power and speed galloped beyond the chasing Cavan backs, running half of the pitch in the process, to score a try. The wind stopped Nathan McCabe converting and soon the referee blew the whistle for half time.

Virginia faced the conditions in the second half head on. Cavan kicked sensibly to put the Virginia pack under pressure. However, with some half time changes Virginia put in James Smith at full back and immediately he made an impact by catching and running at the Cavan defence, causing mayhem in their back line. Virginia continued to be magnificent in the tackle with Charlie Reilly and Michael Gordon disrupting Cavan at each phase.

With Nathan McCabe marshalling his backs into position Virginia finally made space with some tremendous passing and handling in the backs. This created space for new boy Conor Farrelly who raced down the left wing to score a brilliant try to top off his excellent all round play.

Cavan now stepped up their game and put huge pressure on Virginia. However, Virginia fronted up and made tackle after tackle near the try line as Cavan moved the ball across the field. The Cavan backs made amazing cluster tackles with David Costello and Peter Nulty on each wing saving Virginia on a number of occasions.

At this point Virginia stopped trying to kick their way out against the wind and gave their forwards a chance to carry. The front row headed the charge and Virginia utilised the power of Oisin Kiernan to gain territory and establish a platform for the backs to work from. After another strong scrum for Virginia they moved the ball from the base out to the backs and Lee Burdis joined them from the No.7 spot and made another break through the gaps in the Cavan back line. After a strong chase he finally touched down between the posts. Jamie Smith converted to make it 17-0 and the referee called time soon after. Final score Cavan 0, Virginia 17.

Well done to all lads. A truly great effort all round from all of the squad. Training on Tuesday at 1930 with an away game vs Portadown next Saturday.

This Brewin/Dolphin Plate final game was hosted by Clogher Valley RFC on a beautiful warm day on Saturday 9th April. Virginia knew going into this game that their opponents Banbridge would consist of tough and well drilled players and this proved to be the case. Virginia started well keeping Banbridge pinned back in their own half for the first 15 mins. Good rucking and mauling by Virginia forwards in particular Gerry Flynn, Micheal Gordon, Dylan Farrelly and Shane Doughty making good ground to Banbridge's 5 yard line but were kept out on three occasions by a solid defense. A forced blood substitution on Gerry Flynn upset the subtle balance of play and led to Banbridge's no 12 scoring the first try of the game in the corner to lead by 5-0. The game continued to be dominated by both sets of forwards with little ball out to the backs. Another forced blood substitution on Captain Dylan Farrelly allowed Banbridge take a further try which was converted to lead by 12-0 at half time.

Virgina's team to the man, displayed great courage and determination in the second half. Faster ball to the backs allowed Lee Burdis and the tenacious Jack Rogers to come into the game. Virginia managed to keep Banbridge on the back foot and this eventually paid dividends with Peader Doughty peeling of the back of the ruck on the 22 to score a well deserved try to bring the score back to 12-5. Virginia continued to bring the game to Banbridge with Ryan Tierney, Jack Brunton, Darragh Kiernan and Jack Rogers all breaking the back line of Banbridge only to be stopped by excellent tackling.With 5 mins to go Banbridge's no 12 man of the match managed to score his 2nd try to leave the score 17 - 5 for Banbridge.

Congratulations to Banbridge and well done to a brave and gallant effort by Virginia. This gutsy performance will stand well for the Virginia players in the future and they should feel proud of their sporting commitment.

Team:

Gerry Flynn, Shane Doughty, Micheal Gordon,Micheal Smollen, Robert McCabe,Peader Doughty,Sean Ward, Dylan Farrelly (Capt), Adrian Rogers, Nathan McCabe, Lee Burdis,Jack Rogers,Jack Brunton,Osin Rahill, Ryan Tierney,Darragh Kiernan,David Costello and Ben Brunton.

On behalf of Vrfc the13s team management would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the players and their parents for the support and dedication throughout the year.

Andy, Trevor & Aidan

With teams from both clubs relishing this game after a long layoff due to poor on-going weather conditions, this game served up a feast of rugby much to the delight of the coaches and spectators. The game itself took place in Navan RFC on wet and soft grounds ideal for good rucking and mauling. The game was played over 3 x 20 min durations.The game started with both sets of forwards going full metal jacket and this set the tone for the rest of the game. Neither forward pack gave much ground with several phases of play going in each direction. After 12 minutes Navan moved the ball out to the blind side with their backs running in a good try with excellent passing. Navan's try was converted well under strong cross wind conditions.

Virginia started off the 2nd 20 minutes at a much higher tempo, with forwards M.Gorden, G.Flynn. P.Doughty, D.Faulkener, C.Smith setting up ruck after ruck. Virginia forwards under the guidance of captain Dylan Farrelly gained 50 yards on one maul before Navan defence finally stopped them on their 5 yard line in touch. Virginia eventually got their reward after solid forward play Adrian Rodgers at scrum half passed it out to the back line. Good hands from Nathan McCabe (out half), Lee Burdis Jack Rodgers (1st & 2nd centres) on to Ryan Tierney(full Back) who burst through the game line to set up Jack Brunton on the wing. Jack had to evade robust tackling from 3 Navan defenders before touching down in the corner, Try not converted, Virginia kept the pressure on but a good interception by Navan at the half way resulted in a 2nd try for Navan which was converted. Virginia responded well with Jack Rogers tearing into the Navan defence causing all sorts of problems for Navan before the interval. In the final 20 mins Virginia again with good scrumaging forced a line out on the Navan 22m.Peader Doughty latched on to loose ball on the Navan side to steam in for a good solo try. Try not converted. With ten minutes to go Lee Burdis passed to Jack Rodgers who evaded several tackles just to be stopped short by an excellent tackle from Navan full back on their try line.

Result; Navan 14 Virginia 10

Virginia Team: Forwards: Ben Brunton, Gerry Flynn, Micheal Gorden, Micheal Smollen, Peader Doughty,Robert McCabe, Dylan Farrelly, Sean Ward, Dan Faulkener, Conor Smith.
Backs: Adrian Rodgers, Nathan McCabe,Lee Burdis, Jack Rodgers, Jack Brunton, Ryan Tierney, Darragh Kiernan, David Costello,Eoin McClair

Virginia under 13s travelled to Enniskillen Sat 20th for this fixture. This proved a watershed game for this recently formed Under 13 team. Virginia put in an excellent gutsy performance running out 37 - 10 winners. Virginia forwards showed good disciplined play in the rucks and mauls with Peader Doughty leading the charge. With 10 mins gone Adrian Rodgers scum half fed excellent ball out to the backs with Jack Rodgers scoring on the blind side followed 5 mins later by Jack Brunton scoring an excellent try in the corner. Enniskillen dug in and came back with determined forwards play leading to a fine try by their speedy full back. Virginia responded well to this. Another two tries by hooker Ben Brunton and left wing Jack Rodgers brought the first half to a close.

The second half resumed with the Virginia's forwards dominating the game. Micheal Smullen, Robbie McCabe second row supporting Gerry Flynn, Micheal Gordon and Peader in the rucks allowed Virginia backs plenty of ball. Lee Burdis at centre had an excellent game with good solid tackling and passing. Second centre Oisin Rahill ran at good angles to the Enniskillen backs carrying the ball into contact setting up backs Nathan McCabe, Daragh Kiernan and Jack Brunton which led Micheal Gordon getting his try.

Peader Doughty got his much deserved try midway through the second half storming solo through the home teams forwards from their twenty two to land his first try in rugby and one to remember. Enniskillen to their credit never gave up and came back at Virginia to score once again in the corner with good passing along their backs. However Virginia saved their best till last with try of the day. On their own twenty two Virginia forwards turned over Enniskillen ball allowing Adrian Rodgers to drill a pass out to the backs. Passing at speed through all the backs with David Costello showing a good discipline in positional awareness in supporting the attack linking in with Eosin McClair now at centre, the ball arrived at speedy winger Jack Brunton. He managed to evade three tacklers over 50 metres to score under the posts for his second try of the day. A great team performance.

Team:
Forwards: M.Gordon,B.Brunton,G.Flyinn,M.Smollen,P.Doughty,R.Mc Cabe,O.Rahill,
Backs:A.Rodgers,N.McCabe,J.Rodgers, L.Burdis,J.Brunton,D.Kiernan,D.Costello Subs:E.McClair,S.Dowd,C.Flyinn

Virginia RFC under 13's beat Cavan in a well contested match. Tenacious play by Dylan Farrelly and Micheal Gordon in the forwards enabled Jack Rodgers sprint like a cheetah down the wing for a great try. Nathan McCabe showed some outstanding tackling ability which led to Ben Brunton making the final surge over the try line. The Cavan team displayed a spirited de fence but were no match for the superb handling and passing skills of this Virginia team. The referee looked a bit dodgy and was found in the bar checking the rules in front of numerous (11) empty Guinness glasses. He was escorted swiftly under the cover of darkness by M. Brinks & co.

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• 15-a-side full pitch
• Size 4 ball
• 25 min per half
• No lifting in line-outs
• 1.5m scrum push max
• No.8 pick up and carry allowed
• Hand off below shoulder
• Kicking in 22 only

• All games typically KO at 11am depending on pitch availability.
• For home games we meet at 10am at the club.
All players please bring a plate of sandwiches or cakes for visiting players.
• Gum shields required for all players
• IRFU registration number required. Card held by club for match day inspection. Forms available at club or from coach.
• Black rugby socks and shorts expected of all players. These can be bought in Virginia sports shop. Jersey provided.
• Registration fee (100 Euro) includes coach travel for away games.
Coaches: Aiden McGweeney 085 1256880, Trevor Gordon 087 0546320