Virginia Senior team travelled to Cavan for their Ulster Championship Division 3 first fixture.
Under bright but windy conditions, Virginia overcame a determined Cavan team to emerge victorious of the county Cavan derby, claiming their first win of the season, bragging rights for the next few months as well as the perpetual Skelly Cup!

Cavan won the toss and elected to kick-off with the wind in their back. Virginia showed great ball retention in the opening exchanges but could not force their way near Cavan line well contained by Cavan's defense as well as the strong wind. The best opportunity for the visitors came around the tenth minute when a well-executed move created an overlap on the right-hand side of the pitch, center Niall Patterson kicked through and regathered the ball in Cavan's 22m, but was pinged by the referee for holding on to the ball.
Cavan soon reacted and were awarded a penalty for offside 30m out, slightly left of Virginia post, Cavan Fly-half kicked it too short.
After the water break, Cavan put points on the board, when following a good offload by Owen Doyle, Cillian Cahill fumbled the ball and, in his attempt to kick the ball through, it went sideway to land in a Cavan player's hands. The powerful center took his opportunity to run through a disorganised Virginia defense to run nearly unopposed to score the first try of the day. Cavan's kicker added the conversion 7-0 to the hosts.
Virginia's response was swift and within a couple of minutes, they were back level. Virginia gathered the ball on the half way line following a Cavan knock-on. The forwards took the ball on and made good ground from pick-and-go as well solid carries, allowing the ball to be spread wide to the right were centre Ken Moeran made good ground. Once again, the forwards were on the charge and Cavan defense was off-side. With the benefit of the advantage Virginia spread the ball to the left, to winger Jack Faherty who, despite strong tackling, managed to stay on the pitch and worked hard on the ground. The good ball presentation allowed for Captain Niall Patterson to make a strong run in Cavan's 22m. Patterson offloaded to Luke Brodie, who in turn found Owen Doyle. The prop passed in contact to Padraig McManus, McManus fed Cillian Cahill on his shoulder. The Cavan defender seeing the threat of the Virginia prop near the try line doubled up in the tackle, Cahill managed to fee the arms and fed the ball to his brother Chris in the gap for a well worked out team try. Adam Sherriff kicked the conversion to level the score 7-7. Nothing was scored for the remaining of the half.

Virginia took the lead, early in the second half, after a period of good pressure near Cavan's line Virginia could not conclude but were awarded a penalty slightly left of the post. Adam Sherriff kicked the 3 points and Virginia leading 10-7.
Few minutes later Virginia increased their lead, they were awarded a penalty when Cavan held on to the ball in a ruck. Virginia kicked for touch and were in reaching distance of the try line. A long throw at the back of the line for Luke Brodie, who volleyed the ball to Chris Cahill.
The flanker was stopped close to the line but the pay bounced quickly to Padraig McManus who fed Cillian Cahill on his shoulder to burst over the line from 3 metres out. Once again Adam Sherriff added to conversion completing a 100% returned from the tee. 17-7 with 10 minutes left on the clock.
The scored spurred Cavan into action and they managed to reduce the score with 3 minutes left on the clock, Virginia were in a good position but Cillian Cahill break away run from a maul and found himself isolated. From the ensuing penalty Cavan reversed the pressure and found themselves in Virginia's territory. They benefited form few successive penalties and from a line out 25 metres out they spread the ball wide. Cavan's fly-half evaded few tackles and all of a sudden was rushing for the only for Sean Warren's excellent covering tackle putting a stop to it. But Cavan had the momentum and it was only a question of time before they crossed the line from close range. Cavan kicker added the conversion to 17-14. 3 points ahead with 3 minutes left.
Virginia held firm and managed to contain Cavan until the excellent referee on the day blew the end of the game. 17-14 final score. A positive performance from Virginia in a tight derby game.

At the same time Virginia 2nd team took on their Cavan counterparts in a friendly fixture. In another close encounter Cavan won on a 19-17 score line both teams scoring 3 tries.
Well managed by older “wiser” heads, Virginia young guns were given the opportunity to get their first taste of Adult rugby. They did not disappoint and gave an excellent account of themselves despite the score line.

An encouraging afternoon of rugby with both clubs able to field 2 teams. Thanks to the Virginia loyal followers for their support whilst adhering to the Covid restrictions!
Next week Virginia will host Strabane, 2.30pm Kick-off at Deer Park, in the meantime…Stay safe!