Outstanding Achievement Finalist: Virginia RFC youth sides power on

The brilliant development work going on at Virginia RFC was rewarded when the club landed a number of prestigious titles over the past season, including boys and girls U16 title successes at provincial level.

The Girls U16 team completed the double of Ulster League and Cup, securing this notable achievement with a victory over Malone at Ravenhill on April 21 last. Captain Aisling Caffrey was one of the try-scoring stars on a day that Virginia showcased their rare blend of speed, skill and power to claim the cup.

“It's been said that it's not about the destination, but the journey and that is particularly true in this case,” noted the Virginia RFC notes in our sports section.

“The core of this team has been playing together from minis and it showed. The skills on display are testament to long hours honing catch, pass, ruck and tackle technique. Catching high balls is something we'll work on next season as the Ulster U16s Cup is not these girls' final stop on their rugby journey.”

The Virginia U16 girls team in the Ulster Cup final was: Lexi Fannin, Deirdre Smith, Alanna Corcoran Cusack, Ruth O'Dwyer, Clodagh Sheehan, Darcey Smith, Myah Vance (VC), Elinor van Lill, Jocelyn Snell, Aisling Caffrey (C), Addison Mauger, Dionne Kindlon, Saoirse Collins Eunice Adesanya, Aoibhin Smith

Replacements: Aina Sanz, Lola Pozueta Teliez, Holly Harper, Ana Gonzalo Gago, Vanessa Jorczyk, Grainne Warren

The coaches were Schalk van Lill and Chris Clarke.

Not to be outdone, the Virginia Boys U16 team also enjoyed a stellar season, culminating in winning the Ulster Cup.

They defeated Bangor in a thrilling, high-quality final.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with momentum swinging back and forth like a pendulum. Virginia's forwards battled tirelessly in the scrums and rucks, while their nimble backline danced around Bangor's defence, seeking out gaps and opportunities.

An early try from captain James Lennon set Virginia on their way and two more from Ayrton Pienaar in the second half helped seal a memorable win.

The team was: Eoghan Keoghan, Lochlann Gaynor, Ewan McColgan, Evan Clarke, Oscar Cunningham, Daniel Pienaar, James Lennon (C), Eoin Clarke, Ayrton Pienaar, Milo Stafford, Alex Dowd, Brían McCormick, Tom Murphy, Ryan Gilsenan, Cillian Walsh

Replacements: Darragh Kellett, Noah Denning, Andrew Smith, Lucas Moraes Daly, Matt Lynch, Mattie Doogan, Phelim Curran