Published: Wednesday, 14th October, 2009 10:51am

Co Cavan second string defeat Virginia in league clash at Deerpark

The Cavan second 15 travelled to Deere Park Virginia on Saturday last to resume their league campaign. With a strong team Cavan proved too experienced for the youthful Virginia side.

From the kick off the experienced Cavan pack terrorised Virginia. Veterans John Conaty and Winston Morrison caused a lot of problems for the home side at the breakdown.

The platform was set up for a fine back move featuring Seamus McDermott, whose well timed pass put Brian McCusker through in the corner for Cavan's first try. Captain Morgan Farrell added the extra two points.

Virginia, however, came back at Cavan with vigour. Their young pack put in some tremendous work and mauled their way to the Cavan try line. However the referee seen infringements before the resulting try and it was disallowed.

The men from Swellan breathed a sigh of relief and after a clearance from Farrell continued to attack the Virginia line. After a run from prop Dara Brady, Cavan won a penalty in front of the posts which Farrell easily converted. 10- Nil at half time to Cavan.

The 2nd half started badly for Virginia. The out-half failed to kick the re-start ten yards and from the resulting scrum on half way Darren Smith cut a hole in the home sides defence to score under the posts. Virginia were down, but not out.

The young side once again laid siege to the Cavan touch line for ten minutes. They just couldn't cut a path through. A cross field kick was fumbled by the Virginia winger and Neill McCann gathered and ran 90 yards to score under the posts. Cavan continued to pressure the home sides defence and it wasn't long before McCann got in for his second of the day.

It was a good team performance from Cavan. Farrell was on form kicking 5 from 5, returning prop Gerry Mulligan had a great game in the tight as well as the loose.

Also, debutant Andrew Spears had a great performance, putting in some hard tackles and winning many line-outs. Dungannon away next week for the Cavan men.

Co Cavan:

Gerry Mulligan, Francie Murray, Dara Brady, Pela Santos, John Conaty, Sam Starr, Andrew Spears, Winston Morrison, Steve Loughnane, Morgan Farrell(c), Neill McCann, Darren Smith, Brian McCusker, Kieran McMahon, Seamus McDermott

Sub Ross for Kieran McMahon

Right: Cavan prop Dara Brady who had a fine match