Rainey can count themselves unlucky in cup

On Saturday 6th February the ‘P Keenan Road Surfacing’ Rainey ES 1st Xv travelled to Pirrie Park to play Methody in Round 3 of the Danske Bank Ulster School’s Cup. Traditionally this is probably the most difficult venue to play school’s cup rugby. Methody are also the most successful school in the history of the Ulster School’s Cup. Takng all this into consideration this was going to be a tough task for the local boys.

As kick off approached it was evident from the mood of the players that they were in the right frame of mind. Their mental preparation had been very good. Rainey kicked off into a strong wind and meet Methody head on. They gave the Belfast side very little time on the ball, therefore they struggled to get field position. Methody then attacked but the Rainey defence knocked them back time after time. Some great hits from Wallace Bruce and Andrew Nevin had the Methody attackers shaking in their boots. As the half progressed the Magherafelt boys started to believe and began to get lots of possession. They attacked the home side and on many occasions made good progress. Lorcan Quinn, playing at scrum half, cut through the home defence before putting in a well-judged kick to the corner. Methody, used the wind successfully and pinned Rainey back and eventually the pressure told. Their size advantage in the forwards broke down a stubborn Rainey defence and they touched down to take a 5 0 lead.
Rainey were unaffected by this set back and continued to stretch the home defence. A smart break down the ‘blind side’ by Matthew Smyth launched a promising attack. Michael Lynn supported and sprinted for the line but was just dragged down metres short. As Methody looked for a second score more fine tackling from captain Andrew Brown and Matthew Gordon knocked them backwards. With the first half drawing to a close a fine break out of defence by Matthew Mulholland almost got Rainey on the score sheet but desperate defending from the home side keep him out.
The half time whistle sounded with Rainey 5 points behind. This had been a fantastic half of rugby from the Magherafelt boys and it had left them full of confidence for the second half. However, an untidy start to the second half gave Methody easy possession and after two penalties easy territory. This gave the home side the opportunity to put Rainey back on their own line and from the resulting lineout Methody scored from their ‘trademark’ catch and drive. But the game was not lost and the Rainey players believed this. They attacked the home side at every opportunity. The variety to their attack created hesitation in the Methody defence and the Rainey players took advantage. Lorcan Quinn and Matthew Smyth kicked intelligently with Michael Lynn and Adam Hunter pressurising the back three. Frequently they attacked the blindside exposing the home defence. Anton Lupari and Adam Thornton were growing in confidence with ball in hand getting the local boys over the gain line. They were also using their attacking lineout as an effective attacking option. The pin perfect throwing of Andrew Hawe, in difficult conditions was amazing. Time after time Rainey battered the Rainey line and at crucial times seemed to come out on the wrong side of a few referee decisions. Neal Hastings and Cameron Stewart both battered the Methody line but a try eluded them.
The fresh legs of David Atkinson and Richard Winder gave the Rainey backs renewed energy and both players played their part in getting the ball to Mark Mulholland. Mark used excellent footwork to run a beautiful line but was also pulled down with the line only metres away.
With time running out Rainey’s penalty count began to rise and Methody were happy to put the Magherafelt boys into the corner. With minutes remaining they caught and drove another lineout to score their third try and make the score 15 0. The final whistle went shortly afterwards to give Methody a flattering 15 point win.
This was an outstanding performance from the Rainey players and although disappointing to lose they could be very proud of their efforts. For many periods of the game they outplayed their illustrious opponents. Their attitude, commitment, courage, determination and level of skill were of the highest order. This performance should mean that future Rainey teams can believe that they can compete with the best.
The players and coaches would like to thank all the supporters who travel to Methody on Saturday. There was a fantastic number of pupils, parents, teachers, past pupils and friends and family.
Another cup game was played on Wednesday when the 3rd XV were beaten by Wallace HS 20-5 in the Quarter-Final of the Danske Bank 3rd XV Plate. Martin Cudden scored the Rainey try.
Also on Saturday the U13s and U14s had fabulous results. The U13s beat Methody 5 0 with a try from Tom Allingham and the U14s drew 5 5 with Methody with a try from Abban MCloy.
This week’s fixtures see the Medallion travel to Campbell College in the Quarter Final of the Danske Bank Medallion Plate. The kick-off is 10.30am. Also on Saturday the U13s and U14s also play Campbell away from home. All support welcome.