Rainey ES junior rugby teams complete clean sweep over Dalriada

Rainey ES junior rugby teams complete clean sweep over Dalriada

On Saturday 19th September the ‘Noonan’ sponsored Medallion team continued with their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive 48 14 win over Dalriada. This was an excellent result, considering the local boys had lost to Dalriada at an end of season tournament last year. The try scorers for Rainey were Karl Warner with 2, David Dripps with two, Harry Evans, Ben Barfoot and Bryn Davies.

The U14 team won their first game of the season. Having pushed Regent very close last week they avenged a defeat by Dalriada last season to run out 14 5 winners. This was a super team performance with the backs always looking dangerous in attack. The try scorers were Sebastian Hastings and Abban McCloy. Ross Speers kicked two conversions.

The U13 have also started the new season unbeaten, defeating Dalriada 36 0. This has been a really encouraging start to the season. Their defence has been outstanding as they have only conceded one try this year. The Rainey try scorers were Matthew Dripps with two, Leon Martin, Gareth Kirkwood, Matthew Gibson and Shea Conway. Daniel Barfoot kicked 3 conversions.

The ’P Keenan Road Surfacing’ sponsored Rainey ES travelled to Dalriada and returned to Magherafelt having been well beaten. A disappointing start to the game saw Dalriada take a 14 0 lead which Rainey failed to recover from. The game remained scoreless for the next 40 minutes but Dalriada were getting the better of most of the exchanges. Benaiah Paul and Adam Currie displayed glimpses of what Rainey are capable of but they found themselves on the back foot too often.

Although this was a fairly young side no excuses can really be given for the manner in which they accepted defeat. David Atkinson found it difficult because of the quality of ball he was receiving but did his best to get Rainey on the attack. With the game drawing to a close Dalriada ran in a number of late tries to give them a flattering 42 0 win.

Lessons must be taken from this game. You can have abundance of skill and ability, but if the desire is not there then games like this will happen again.

The ‘Quinn’s Coach Hire’ sponsored 2nd XV also travelled to Dalriada and put in a whole hearted performance before losing 18 12. This is a game in which their determination was excellent and they can probably count themselves unlucky not to have got a win. Wallace Bruce and Michael McIvor-New were the Rainey try scorers.

This Saturday’s fixtures are against Foyle College. The Medallion, U14s and U13s are away. The 1st XV and 2nd XV are at home with a 10.30am kick off. All support is welcome.