Virginia RFC - 22
Rainey Old Boys - 5

Virginia U15's departed from Virginia Club House at 7.30am on Saturday morning to make the long journey to Magherafelt to compete #in the Ulster semi-final of the U15 League competition. Their opponents were Rainey Old Boys who had also powered their way to the semi final and who Virginia knew were not to be taken for granted.

Conditions while cold were quite good and the game commenced with a sustained period of pressure from Virginia. Strong forward play set up nice ball for the Virginia backs who caused problems for Rainey and eventually team captain Niall Farrelly picked up a ball from the back of a 5 metre scrum and powered over for an early try under the posts which was duly converted by the new Ronan O' Gara of Virginia - Ben Conaty.

Virginia continued to impress and Darren Brady went over for the second week in a row only to be denied by the TMO.

Virgina were now gaining in confidence and prop Ross Curran showed both strength and pace in his ball carrying.

A slick passing movement by Ben Conaty to Ross set up Niall Farrelly on the halfway line and he powered through for a touchdown under the posts for Virginia's second try which was converted by Ben. A penalty inside the 22 converted by Ben Conaty brought Virginia to a lead of 17 – 0 at half time.

From the restart a great run and off load by Darren Brady sent Ben Conaty in for Virginia's third try. Unfortunately the conversion dropped short. Brendan Argue was confident and assured at full back .Jason Mc Mahon gave a display of exemplary kicking gaining Virginia some breathing space and terriority on a number of occassions. Eoin Somerville made some brilliant tackles and was ably assisted by Jack Faherty and Daire Mc Enroe who were both shaking off the effects of the flu.

Rainey did go over for a try after some missed tackles by Virginia, but Virginia than battened down the hatches and held out for the final 15 minutes.After some excellent scrummaging by Virginia's front row they managed to turn over some excellent scrums inside their own 22 to hold off Rainey once more. Jason Winterlich at scrum half was on top of his game as was Michael Nowak in the front row until injury resulted in his removal from the game. Second row Niall Yore and Míchael Faherty worked hard at the breakdown while on the flanks at number 7 Evan Doughty put in some huge hits throughout the game. Substitute Ian Goldrick laid down a marker for management with an excellent performance and with a strong bench still remaining including Peadar Doughty, Dale Smith, Karl Golden, Eric Shekleton, Sean Ward, Daniel Faulkner, Maliej Stolowski, Robert Mc Cabe and Remi Ivaskevicius, competition for places will be strong.

Virginia now look forward to their first Ulster U15 final in the clubs history, on the 10th of March with venue yet to be announced.

Virginia U15 Rugby Squad competed in the quarter final of the Ulster U15 league on a bright and perfect morning for rugby on Saturday last. The Deerpark grounds and clubhouse looked splendid and everyone there enjoyed another great performance from the ever improving U15 squad.

From the off Virginia piled on the pressure and Banbridge found themselves pinned inside their own 22 for the first 10 minutes. Constant pressure from the forwards ably led by Niall Farrelly and with superb tackling from Darren Brady eventually led to superb ball to the backs with Ben Conaty setting up the pacy winger Dáire McEnroe for Virginia’s first try.

A strong scrum from the Virginia Pack again set up the McEnroe/Conaty combination with the speedy Conaty darting through for Virginia’s 2nd try which Jason McMahon converted. McMahon at out half was very effective for Virginia and his kicking was causing all sorts of problems for Banbridge. Indeed one of these kicks set up Bailieboro man Brendan Argue for a great 3rd try for Virginia which was again converted by McMahon.

Virginia continued to pressure Banbridge and some fierce tackling by Eoin Somerville and Darren Brady on the flanks kept them on the back foot.On the wings Dáire McEnroe was dangerous as ever and Jack Faherty made some huge breaks along the line and also put in some huge tackles when necessary. Andrew Geraghty under the high ball at full back was as safe as ever and ran at the Banbridge defence with great confidence.

In the scrum Virginia were as solid as ever and Hooker; Dylan Farrelly, Props; Evan Doughty and Michael Nowak with Second Row; Niall Yore and Michael Faherty drove Banbridge off the ball on numerous occasions. In the line out Darren Brady was outstanding not only in the home side line outs but also in stealing from the Banbridge lineout with ease. Indeed Darren ran in a great try after Virginia had withstood a sustained period of pressure from Banbridge without conceding a score.

Good ball from Scrum Half Jason Winterlich and kicking from Jason McMahon resulted in a huge hit by Ben Conaty bringing Virginia back into the Banbridge 22. Good work from Props, Evan Doughty and Michael Nowak set up Niall Farrelly for a powerful run in under the posts after which Brendan Argue easily converted. Virginia then introduced Eric Shekleton and Remy Ivaskevicius to the fray and both settled in quickly to the game. Ian Goldrick, Peadar Doughty and Tristan Lotscher then stepped in and worked hard to help Virginia close out the game.

This convincing win sets Virginia u15s up for an Ulster appearance and a huge opportunity to make an Ulster Final for the first time. On the line Virginia still had a very strong bench to call on including Daniel Faulkner, Maliej Stolowski, Sean Ward, Dale Smith, Karl Golden and Robert McCabe.

Special thanks must go to the referee Fergal Brady who despite his years managed keep up with and keep the game flowing. Mentors Hughie Brady and Douglas Kincaide can only be happy with the work rate and attitude of this young side and will look forward to the Ulster Semi Finals next weekend.

Virginia U15's travelled to Portadown on Saturday last. The side were missing a few regulars on the day but still got off to a fine start with a hat-trick from Brendan Argue who finished off some nicely worked moves by the whole back line. Portadown fought hard but couldn't get into the game as they were no match for the strong Virginia side. Ben Conaty and Niall Farrelly added a try each to the tally as the game progressed with Daire Mc Enroe adding two more. The game finished on a scoreline of 37 - 0 and this win keeps the squad on track for finishing top of their section of the League. Virginia U15's are away to Armagh next weekend.

Virginia U15's played Cavan at home last Saturday on a bitterly cold morning that saw many balls spilled and knocked on by cold hands on both sides. Virginia were first to score with tries from Ben Conaty and Niall Farrelly and a conversion by Daire Mc Enroe. However Cavan rose their game and responded well with a nicely worked try of their own when they caught the Virginia backs napping and slipped in to score in the corner. They failed to put the conversion over but at this stage the game appeared to be set up for a good competitive clash. Unfortunately however, Cavan's challenge died down and this was to be their only score on the day. Virginia ran away with the game from here on scoring eleven tries in total, running out easy winners on a scoreline of 59 - 5.

Try scorers on the day were Ben Conaty (4), Niall Farrelly (3),Daire Mc Enroe (3 tries and 1 conversion), Jason Mc Mahon (1try and 1 conversion)

Virginia U15's played at home last Saturday in a top of the table clash against Dromore. Once again this proved to be a very tough encounter with both teams playing some fine rugby on the day. Dromore were first to score but they failed to convert. This seemed to be the wake up call that Virginia needed to up their game and after some fine running by the Virginia backs it was Brendan Argue who scored Virginia's first try. This left the team’s level at half time.

The second half continued at the same blistering pace with both teams trying to get the upper hand but once again it was Dromore who scored the first try. With Virginia now trailing by five points the pressure was on but with the help of the home support Virginia threw everything they had at this strong Dromore team and they eventually broke through with team captain Niall Farrelly scoring a great try which was converted by Ben Conaty to rapturous applause from the home support. This put the home side two points ahead and proved to be the winning score on the day. At the end of the bruising encounter Virginia eventually emerged victorious on a scoreline of 12-10, the tightest margin to date. This was another great team performance by this unbeaten Virginia side.

Team:Remigijus Ivaskevicius, Dylan Farrelly, Michael Nowak, Michael Faherty, Niall Yore, Darren Brady, Eoin Sommerville, Niall Farrelly, Jason Winterlich, Jason Mc Mahon, Daire Mc Enroe, Ben Conaty, Evan Doughty, Jack Faherty, Brendan Argue, Eric Shekleton, Peadar Doughty, Ian Goldrick, Dale Smith, Andrew Geraghty, Maliej Stolowski, Tristran Lotscher, Sean Ward, Karl Golden

Virginia U15's were away to Cavan last Saturday. In spite of the wet conditions the side managed to run in seven tries and convert two of them to emerge winners on a scoreline of 39 - 0. Virgina dominated this game from start to finish due to the fact that they were a physically bigger and stronger side. Cavan tried hard throughout the game but were no match for this Virginia team who are playing very well at the moment.

Try scorers on the day were:
Ben Conaty (2), Niall Farrelly (2), Andrew Geraghty, Darren Brady and Jack Faherty (1) each.

Team:
Jack Faherty , Andrew Geraghty, Brendan Argue, Ben Conaty, Daire Mc Enroe, Jason Winterlich , Jason Mc Mahon, Remigijus Ivaskevicius, Eric Shekleton, Michael Nowak, Niall Yore, Evan Doughty, Darren Brady, Eoin Sommerville, Niall Farrelly, Peadar Doughty, Tristan Lotscher, Dylan Farrelly, Daniel Faulkner, Dale Smith, Michael Faherty, Maliej Stolowski, Robert Mc Cabe, Karl Golden

Virginia U15's travelled to Dromore last Saturday November 15th for a top of the league clash with the home side. After travelling a long journey the game started on a beautiful morning for rugby. The home side started the strongest with Virginia having to weather a huge storm for the first fifteen minutes before they managed to get the first score of the game with a try scored in the corner by Evan Doughty which was duly converted by Ben Conaty. This helped the Virginia team to settle and adjust to the pace of the game. However this wasn't to last long as Dromore came right back at Virginia scoring a try of their own, but they failed to convert which left Virginia two points ahead. At this stage both teams were fighting hard to get the upper hand which made for a great display of rugby from both sides. It was Virginia who managed to score next with a penalty scored by Ben Conaty which was awarded after a passage of great play by the Virginia forwards who were starting to get to grips with their opponents. This left the half-time score at 10-5.

The second half started with Virginia still in control and after some slick passing in the backs Ben Conaty slipped in for a try in the left corner. As Virginia were still celebrating their try Dromore immediately retaliated with a fine break-away try of their own touched down under the posts and easily converted to leave the score at 15-12 to Virginia. The game swayed back and forth for the remainder of the second half with both teams trying to get control .Virginia were forced to make a number of try saving tackles before Ben Conaty managed to break away and score his second try of the game. Dromore fought back hard but couldn't find a way through the Virginia defence as time ran out and the game ended with Virginia ahead on a scoreline of 20-12. This was the Virginia squads best performance to date with every player leaving the field exhausted after giving one hundred percent effort for the sixty minutes of play.

Virginia are away to Cavan on Saturday next November 19th.

Virginia RFC U15's played host to Clogher Valley on Saturday November 5th. This was the team’s third game in eight days and this showed as the players lacked the sharpness shown in Tuesdays challenge game against Sligo. Virginia however managed to overcome their tiredness and even though Clogher Valley started the game strongly, they eventually succumbed to the speed and power of the Virginia squad who ran in nine tries and finished clear winners on a scoreline of 51-0.

Try scorers on the day were Eoin Sommerville (3), Brendan Argue (2), Andrew Geraghty (1), Jason Mc Mahon (1), Ben Conaty (1), Niall Farrelly (1)

This week of tight fixtures provided a great chance to make full use of our large squad of players who all got a game at some stage. Well done to all players on their dedication and attendance, especially the younger players who are adjusting to playing at this age grade. Keep up the good work everyone.

Virginia RFC U15's played Sligo in a challenge match at home on Tuesday last November 1st. This was a very physical encounter between two sides unbeaten so far in their own leagues. The game was played in ideal conditions which produced some great rugby from both sides . Virginia who had found things relatively easy in their previous league games knew they were in for a very different game from the kick-off. Sligo threw everything at Virginia for the first 10 minutes but could not break through the Virginia line. The Virginia backs had to make some spectacular tackles while the forwards had to fight and scrap hard for every ball. It was Virginia who eventually broke through first with a great try from Ben Conaty (his first of four for the afternoon).Virginia started to take control of the game from here on running in another three tries to leave the half-time score 22 - 0.
Sligo started the second half with great determination but it was Virginia again who were first to score with Evan Doughty running in two tries in succession before Sligo eventually broke through for a try. Virginia responded with some great passes resulting in their final try scored by Brendan Argue. The game finished on a scoreline of 39 - 5 .This was an excellent challenge for Virginia which made them play their best rugby to date. Virginia continues their Ulster League campaign on Saturday at home to Clogher Valley.

Front Row:
Andrew Geraghty, Michael Nowak, Robert Mc Cabe, Ben Conaty, Dillon Farrelly, Jason Winterlich, Eric Shekleton, Dale Smith, Tristran Lotscher, Peadar Doughty

Back Row:
Hugh Brady, Jason Mc Mahon, Eoin Sommerville, Maliej Stolowski ,Niall Farrelly, Darren Brady, Niall Yore, Evan Doughty, Ian Goldrick, Remigijus Ivaskevicius, Brendan Argue, Douglas Kincaide Missing from photo: Jack Faherty

Newry RFC – 0

Virginia RFC – 24

Virginia U15's travelled to Newry on Saturday last and after a game played in very wet and windy conditions they came away with a fine win on a scoreline of 24 - 0. This tally could have been much higher but for the tenacity of the Newry backs who held Virginia up on several occasions and prevented them from touching down in the goal area. Virginia who were short a few regulars on the day always maintained control of this game despite several players adapting to new positions.

Try scorers on the day were:
Daire Mc Enroe (2), Ben Conaty (1) and Jason Mc Mahon (1).

Our next game is at home to Clogher Valley on Saturday week, November 5th.

Virginia RFC - 31

Monaghan RFC - 0

Virginia U15's played Monaghan at home on Saturday last and they proved to be our strongest opposition so far. Virginia started very strongly scoring their first try within the first 5 minutes and the subsequent conversion was slotted over the bar by Ben Conaty. This set the tone for the game with the Virginia forwards dominating the lineouts and scrums with some great rucking which delivered fast ball to our backs who had the upperhand on their opponents throughout the game. Virginia scored five tries in total with the best try coming from a set move in the lineout finished well by Darren Brady. The game finished off on a final score of 31 - 0.

Try scorers on the day were Daire Mc Enroe (2),Brendan Argue (1),Darren Brady (1),Niall Yore (1) and conversions by Ben Conaty (1),Daire Mc Enroe (1) and Jason Mc Mahon (1).

Virginia travel to Newry next Saturday hoping for more of the same.

Portadown RFC - 5

Virginia RFC - 70

Virginia U15`s travelled to Portadown on Saturday last and had another very successful outing scoring twelve tries and five conversions finishing on a scoreline of 70 - 5. This was a much improved performance on the previous week with great ball handling and strong rucking. Virginia forwards performed very well in the scrums and in the line-outs. The backs tackled strongly and moved the ball swiftly through the line resulting in the wingers receiving plenty of ball which enabled Dale Smith wearing the number 14 jersey to score two tries .

Scorers on the day were Ben Conaty (3), Daire Mc Enroe (2), Niall Farrelly (2), Dale Smith (2), Darren Brady, Jason Mc Mahon, and Eoin Somerville

Cavan RFC - 9 trys

Virginia RFC - 1 try

Virginia U15`s started off their season with a trip to Cavan on Saturday last September 10th. The game proved to be a one sided affair with Virginia running in nine tries to Cavan`s one. Try scorers on the day were Jason Mc Mahon, Niall Farrelly, Eoin Sommerville, Ben Conaty, Daire Mc Enroe (3), Darren Brady and Dylan Farrelly. A special mention must go to Daniel Faulkner, Doughty and Dylan Farrelly who just moved up from U13 level and performed well on the day.

Our next match is away to Portadown on Sat 17th.

Virginia U15’s are through to the semi-final of the Ulster Plate Competition after a hard fought game against Ballynahinch in Virginia last Saturday. This was another great team performance by this young Virginia side who ran in five tries to finish ahead on a scoreline of 31 – 21. Scorers on the day were Brendan Argue 3 tries, Oisín Flanagan 1 try and Laurence Caffery 1 try and 3 conversions. Next Saturday Virginia will host Portadown the semi-final at 11am.

Virginia U15's are through to the Ulster League Semi-Final after Saturdays quarter final success over Armagh. Virginia got off to a quick start with a try from Jack Faherty that shook the home side. This was followed by two more tries from Niall Farrelly and Brendan Argue to leave the half time score at 17 -0. Armagh got off to a better start in the second half scoring two tries and one conversion but Virginia regained control adding two more tries to their tally leaving the final score at 29 - 12. This was another good team performance from the young Virginia side who now meet Carrickfergus in the Semi-Final next Saturday .Virginia team : Oisín Flanagan, Niall Farrelly, Michael Nowak, Michael Faherty,
Niall Yore, Darren Brady, Colm Treacy, (Capt.)Christopher Dunne, Jason Winterlich, Ciarán Daly, Tristan Lotscher, Brendan Argue, Connor Mc Dermott, Jack Faherty, Andrew Geraghty, Killian Mc Cabe, Eric Shekleton, Dale Smith, Maliej Stolowski

Virginia U15’s started their cup competition with a blistering performance against Lisburn on Saturday last scoring a dozen tries with an overall score of 70 points to nil. This was a great team performance with every player giving his best . Try scorers on the day were Christopher Dunne -1, Jack Faherty -1, Laurence Caffery -1 and 5 conversions, Ciarán Daly -2, Brendan Argue -2, Oisín Flanagan -2 and a hat trick of 3 from Colm Treacy.

Virginia U15's travelled to Enniskillen on Saturday last and had another convincing win 36 - 12. This was another strong performance by the pack with some slick ball handling by the backs. Virginia have no game next Saturday but look forward to playing Cavan at home the following Saturday

Virginia U15's played Cogher Valley at home on Saturday last in another highly entertaining game. The Virginia pack dominated most of the game with great performances from Niall Farrelly and try scorers Oisín Flanagan, Darren Brady and Colm Treacy .

A lot of new players in the back line played well, in particular Ciarán Daly, Andrew Geraghty, Laurence Caffery and scrum half Eric Shekleton. Virginia won the game easily in the end on a scoreline of 22 - 0 with three tries from the forwards and two conversions and a penalty from out-half Laurence Caffery.

Virginia's next match is away to Enniskillen on Saturday October 23rd.