Virginia RFC

The Virginia Ladies have been training hard since August and the results can be seen in their increased fitness and skills levels. They have been involved with Ulster U17 and U18 development sqauds which has given them great experience which they have been able to use in their league games this season.

Virginia v Armagh 29/10/2007 - The Virginia ladies team travelled to Armagh for their first league game this season. The game was intense and physical from both sides but Virginia's experience showed and was rewarded with a 45 - 7 victory.

Virginia v Enniskillen 04/11/2007 - This was Virginia's first home game in a long time when they played hosts to a very tough, physical and well coached Enniskillen team. The game was very evenly matched up to half time but Virginia kept the pressure on and were once again rewarded with  a 38 - 0 win.

All of Virginia's teams have displayed a very high level of Rugby with brave and skillfull performances in each of their games and the club and coaches are once again very proud of the Ladies to date and fully support them in their bright futures.

Armagh RFC

After a valiant attempt to regain their All-Ireland Senior status last season, Armagh now remains in contention in the Ulster Qualifying League. This was the competition which they headed last season, suffering only one defeat in the process. However, in the AIL All-Ireland Junior Cup a defeat against Naas gave Armagh an away game against City of Derry which the home side won to remain in division three. So Portadown were relegated and their matches with Armagh now draw big crowds. The next game is in Armagh on November 24th. This season’s AIL Junior Cup commences on January 5th and Armagh will be hoping not to be drawn away to Co. Cork yet again! While the adult male teams are now reduced to three sides, under 20’s, under 18’s, under 16’s, & under 14’s sides are all being turned out. There is a very successful flood-lit youth tournament running on Wednesday evenings where teams from all corners of Ulster come to compete. Saturday mornings see a very large mini rugby section turn out when there could be upwards of 100 young players participating for the club. Our new youth Development officer, Chris Black, is working hard with all the schools in the SELB area and his work is beginning to show results on the fields through the area when rugby balls are being seen in greater numbers. Our ladies section is growing from strength to strength and is anxious to make contact with more female playing members.

Armagh Rugby & Pearse Ogs Compete For The Happy Hooker Charity Cup
This competition between the Pearse Ogs and Armagh rugby dates back to the 1993. The Ogs had been using the Palace Grounds for training purposes for several seasons. Since both clubs were familiar with the pitches and several players were then (as now) playing both codes, a game of rugby was arranged. The Ogs won the first game with a spectacular try scored by Paul Grimley. Donal Powell, a much respected player, coach and long-time member of the club played for the Ogs in that historic game. Sadly he died in a tragic accident soon afterwards. Donal is fondly remembered by the up and coming future stars of the club for his tireless dedication to making Gaelic football an enjoyable sport for all. His family then presented the Happy Hooker Cup to be played for with Gaelic played in one half and Rugby in the other half, a format that has remained ever since. From the outset the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps has been the recipient of all funds collected, mainly from programme advertising. Indeed their services are most welcome at both clubs’ matches and certainly, a game at the Palace grounds can scarcely kick-off until the arrival of the Order of Malta ambulance.

Ards RFC

Ards rugby club donated £2000 from their Annual Gala Dinner in April 2007 to the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at the Alllen Ward, RVH. At the request of staff the Ards club purchased £2000 worth of equipment which was handed over last week by Ards President Michael Heath to Head Physio Joyce Murray and Senior Staff nurse Martina O'Reilly. Ards President Michael Heath has arranged a Perennials match against an Ards Select on Sunday the 2nd December 2007 at Hamilton Park, kick off 2.30pm with all money raised on the day going to the Cystic Fibrosis Unit. To date he has received pledges totalling £2000.

Ards thirds turned in a stunning six try winning performance at Hamilton Park  against previously undefeated league leaders Ballymoney thirds. Coach Colin McLean was full of praise for his team’s performance with scrum half Danny Mannings outstanding performance one of many excellent performances by his team. The presence of Stevie Nutt and Stephen Eachus in the forwards along with the experienced Andrew Fletcher, Shane Barr and number eight Andrew Crozier inspired the younger players including Jonny Millar, Jonny Dawson and Ian Presho in this match

Night at the Races
Members and Friends of Ards rugby club are reminded that a night at the Races will take place at Ards Rugby club on Friday the 16th November 2007 with the first of 7 x races due off at 7.30PM. Entry fee is £3 and will include entertainment plus late licence. Further information can be obtained by contacting Terry Acheson or Gareth Paden at Ards Rugby Club on 02891813961.

Get Well Message
To the following club members who have been ill or hospitalised in recent weeks. Ivan Coffey, Harry Thompson Ards Senior Vice President, Raymond Long.

Ards 150th All Ireland League Match
Hamilton Park will be buzzing tomorrow as the Ards faithful eagerly await the visit of close rivals Instonians for the Ards clubs 150th All League match. After the clubs unexpected win at high flying Banbridge confidence will be high in the Ards squad after having to endure nine consecutive defeats this season. This will be a crucial match for both sides with Instonians sitting at the top of Division Three following two wins that secured them a maximum of ten points with Queens sitting in second place on nine points from their opening two wins. A win for Ards will put them back in contention for a top four place that coaches Mervyn Tweed and Stan McDowell believe they can achieve this season. A large crowd is expected for this mouth-watering encounter.