Ulster Carpets Youth Finals Preview

Saturday 7th March sees the conclusion of the Ulster Carpets Youth League programme as the U14, U16 & U18 finals take place at Meadowbank Arena in Magherafelt. Ulster Carpets U16 League Final The U16 league final will kick off the day’s events, with a strong Monaghan RFC team, pitched against Limavady RFC - one of the surprise packages of the season. Monaghan won 13 of their 16 games in the U16 South league and followed that up with victories over Banbridge (QF) and a formidable Ballymena team (SF), to book their place in the final. Their opponents, Limavady, have themselves recorded an impressive 14 victories of 16 in the U16 North League over the course of the season.  Having progressed to the knock-out stages, Limavady then recorded a convincing win over Carrickfergus (QF), followed by a victory in the semi-final over a highly-fancied City of Armagh team.  The U16 final promises to be a fantastic tussle between 2 very deserving finalists. Ulster Carpets U16 League final Monaghan RFC vs. Limavady C&RFC K.O. 10.30am Ulster Carpets U14 League Final Next up on the day is the final of the Ulster Carpets U14 League final, with kick-off scheduled for 12pm. This final will be a clash between 2 of the recent powerhouses of Youth Rugby in Ulster; Virginia RFC vs. Ballymena RFC. Perennial age-grade finalists, Virginia come to the final boasting a perfect 13 out of 13 wins in the U14 South League.  Home victories then followed against Newry RFC (QF) and a hard-fought win against U18 North winners, Coleraine RFC in the semi. Ballymena appear in the U14 final, courtesy of 14 wins from 16 in their U14 North league campaign, where they finished runners-up to Coleraine RFC.  The young ‘Braidmen’ have since come into their own in the knock-out stages, where they have overcome Carrickfergus RFC (QF) & Banbridge (SF) on their journey. The presence of Virginia & Ballymena is testament to the ongoing commitment of both clubs to youth rugby in Ulster, and we look forward to a keenly contested final match-up. Ulster Carpets U14 League Final Virginia RFC vs. Ballymena RFC K.O. 12pm Ulster Carpets U18 League Final The showpiece Ulster Carpets U18 League final will be contested by City of Armagh RFC and Ballyclare RFC. Boasting a record of 15 wins in 16 games in U18 South league, it is no surprise to see City of Armagh once more represented in an Ulster Carpets league final.  A convincing win over defending champions, Belfast Metropolitan College RFC in the semi-final, saw City of Armagh secure their place in the final to face Ballyclare. Ballyclare RFC have themselves enjoyed a hugely successful year, coming through an U18 Coast league where their only dropped points came in a draw, against fellow league contenders, Banbridge RFC.  16 wins on top of this draw, saw Ballyclare top their league and progress to the knock-outs. Victories over Ballymena (QF) and Virginia (SF) followed the league campaign, that see’s Ballyclare take to the field this weekend. Ulster Carpets U18 League Final City of Armagh RFC vs. Ballyclare RFC K.O. 1.30pm Ulster Rugby wish like to wish all finalists good luck as we look forward to a safe and exciting day’s rugby.