U14 Billy Latimer Cup | Virginia 10 - 5 Strabane
Virginia and Strabane kicked off the Youth Cup finals as the sun disappeared behind the clouds. Strabane started with intent, applying early pressure that severely tested the Virginia defence. Gradually, Virginia weathered the storm and transitioned into attack. A swift break down the left wing by Charlie Crawley was halted by Strabane's determined defence. Virginia then shifted their focus across the pitch, a sharp central run towards the posts being repelled. The attack continued, the ball finding its way to Charlie Crawley on the right, who evaded a tackle to score the opening try.
Strabane responded by pushing back into Virginia territory, forcing Sean Rouse into touch. Their forward momentum continued, unfortunately culminating in a knock-on just short of the try line.
Strabane's full-back, Roy McGerrigle, then broke through the Virginia defence, only to be stopped. Virginia defended resolutely, but McGerrigle proved a persistent threat, breaking through again, only to be brought down just short. The ball was recycled, but another knock-on brought the first half to a close with Virginia leading 5-0.
Following the restart, Strabane immediately surged into Virginia's half and over the try line, but were unable to ground the ball.
Virginia then broke clear and advanced to the opposite end of the pitch. Strabane regained possession at the ruck, but Virginia's No. 12, Nathan Snell, capitalised on a charged-down clearance kick to gather the loose ball and score Virginia's second try. The score now stood at 10-0 in Virginia's favour.
Strabane were now chasing the game, but their final pass or decisive move repeatedly broke down despite their persistent challenges on the Virginia line. They eventually crossed the whitewash, but were held up. Strabane then engineered a fine break involving Conn Kelly, finished off by Dean Muldoon, reducing the deficit to 10-5 with time running out. Strabane mounted one final attack, but were stopped just short in the far corner as the referee blew the final whistle.
Virginia were crowned both cup and league final winners, with Mrs Betty Latimer presenting the U14 Billy Latimer Memorial Cup to Virginia captain Alex Maguire.
U16 RB Fleming Cup | Ballynahinch 10 - 12 Virginia
The Virginia travelling contingent were straight into their second game of the day against Ballynahinch U16, and were silenced early on by a successful Ballynahinch penalty and the subsequent issue of a yellow card. Virginia weathered this numerical disadvantage effectively, preventing Hinch from capitalising. Returning to full strength, Virginia attacked through the midfield, executing a well-timed cross-field kick on the breakdown. The ball was brilliantly caught and passed inside for a try under the posts, which was converted, taking the score to Ballynahinch 3-7 Virginia.
However, their lead was short-lived as Ballynahinch responded with a try in the corner and a superb conversion reclaiming the lead. The first-half finished with Hinch in the lead, 10-7.
The second half saw both teams struggle to break the deadlock until Virginia mounted a sustained period of attack. Keeping the ball alive with quick hands and multiple phases, Evan Clarke spotted a gap and surged through to score. The conversion attempt drifted wide of the posts, pushing Virginia out in front by 2, Hinch 10-12 Virginia.
Ballynahinch had an opportunity to level the score with a penalty, but the kick fell short. Virginia then had a chance to extend their lead with a kick and chase by Sean O’Reilly, but a knock-on while attempting to gather the ball brought the game to a close. Virginia secured their second victory of the day, Ballynahinch 10 – 12 Virginia, adding the Cup Final victory to their earlier league final win.
U18 CE Bowman Cup | Ballymena 17 - 23 City of Armagh
The third and final game of the day was the highly anticipated U18 Cup Final between Ballymena and Armagh, a rematch following their close 12-12 draw in the League Final.
Ballymena drew first blood with an early penalty, igniting the contest. Armagh responded swiftly with a penalty of their own. A period of intense midfield action ensued before Ballymena's Tyrese Dunlop powered through the defensive line for a try, successfully converted by James Orr.
Undeterred, Armagh fought back, with Padric Carville crossing the whitewash for a try, though his conversion attempt struck the post, narrowing the gap to just two points. Ballymena then extended their lead again with a converted try by James Orr.
Once more, Armagh closed the gap, this time through an unconverted try by Luke Windrum. Ballymena held a slender 17-13 lead, but Armagh were applying significant pressure. Following a sustained passage of play, phase after phase, Armagh's persistence paid off with a converted try, snatching the lead 17-20 with just five minutes remaining on the clock.
Ballymena had an opportunity to level the scores with a penalty, but the kick went astray. Armagh then sealed their victory with a successful penalty from Padric Carville. Ballymena 17 – 23 Armagh. Armagh were crowned U18 Cup winners in a season that coincided with their club's 150th anniversary.
