Rainey and Dalriada share the spoils

Rainey and Dalriada share the spoils

On Saturday 17 September the ‘P Keenan’ sponsored Rainey ES 1st XV hosted Dalriada. They were competing for the ‘Arthur Topping Cup’ in memory of Arthur who taught in both schools. In perfect conditions Rainey started brightly with Richard Winder and Aaron Hamilton forcing Dalriada back. Rainey created a number of chances and eventually crossed the Dalriada line when Karl Warner put Ciaran Doyle into space. Ciaran showed great pace to get the touch down. Leading 5 0 Rainey continued to attack but Dalriada gradually forced their way into the game. Up front Matthew Gordon, Connor Stringer and William Drennan were getting through a lot of work. However, with half time approaching Dalriada scored a converted try to give them a 7 5 half time lead.

 

In the second half Rainey attacked encouragingly but the Dalriada defence held firm. David Atkinson, Bryan Hall and Andrew Hawe all put the visiting defence under pressure but Rainey’s second score failed to materialise. Then Ben McCloskey broke down the blind side. He fed Adam Thornton and then Gregory Conway continued the attack. When the ball was recycled Adam Currie carried the ball forward. When the ball was given to David Dripps he used excellent skill to grubber though and follow up his kick to score close to the posts. Karl Warner converted the conversion to give Rainey a 12 7 lead.

 

Dalriada went back on the attack and made Rainey defend for a period of time. Although Rainey defended courageously the pressure eventually told and they scored in the corner to level the score at 12 12. As the game drew to a close, Andrew Nevin, Todd Smyth Jonah Hastings and Stuart Drennan all attempted to get the winning try but Dalriada defended well. The game ended in a 12 12 draw, with both teams reasonably satisfied.

 

The ‘Quinns Coach Hire’ sponsored 2nd XV lost 27 0.
The U16 XV won 22 7 with tries from Adam McCrum (3) and Matthew Dunlop. Jonathan Drennan also kicked a conversion.
The ‘Dixons Contractors’ sponsored Medallion team won 26 5 with tries from Marc Seffen, Jonathan Davis, Abban McCloy and Ross Speers. Ross also kicked 3 conversions.
The U14 XV won 48 7 with tries from Matthew Cowan (3), Matthew Carson (2), Shea Conway (2) and Eoin Garvey. Daniel Barfoot kicked 4 conversions.
The U13 XV won 38 0 with tries from Ben Brown (3), Callum Nugent (2), and Cameron Smyth. Louis Regen kicked 4 conversions.
Well done all Rainey Rugby players and coaches.

 

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