Rainey ES 1st XV defeat Foyle College
On Saturday 26th September the ’P Keenan Road Surfacing’ sponsored Rainey ES 1st XV hosted Foyle College. In beautiful conditions the Rainey boys were keen to make up for the disappointing performance last week. A higher intensity performance was needed and this was exactly the way the team started with Richard Winder setting the scene with a thumping tackle on his opposite man.
Rainey continued with this bright start forcing Foyle to defend for long periods. Matthew Gordon and Wallace Bruce were really throwing themselves into the contact areas. This meant that Foyle were finding it difficult to get any clean ball. Rainey launched a number of attacks, with Matthew Mulholland and Adam Hunter almost breaking free, but just needed to be a little more patient at times.
A drop in concentration, however, gave Foyle a good attacking opportunity, but sound defence from Benaiah Paul and Patrick McGowan prevented any scores.
With half time approaching Rainey forced their way close to the Foyle line. Cameron Stewart timed his jump expertly at a Foyle lineout to steal ball and drive over the line. This gave Rainey a 5 – 0 lead. The local boys continued to attack with Gregory Conway going close down the right wing, but the score remained 5 – 0 when the half-time whistle sounded.
The early periods of the 2nd half were relatively even. Foyle were showing a little more enterprise than they did in the 1st half. Their hard work in attack paid off when they kicked a penalty to narrow the score to 5 – 3.
Rainey responded almost immediately. Adam Thornton and Neal Hastings both carried aggressively giving the Rainey backs a good attacking platform. When the ball was recycled Mark Mulholland opened the Foyle defence, with Richard Winder cutting a lovely line to score under the posts. Adam Hunter kicked the conversion to give Rainey a 12 – 3 lead.
A Rainey drop in concentration, gifted Foyle possession and field position. With the chance of a score they increased their intensity. They caught the Rainey defence in disarray and scored by the posts. The conversion was kicked to reduce the score to 12 – 10.
Rainey then showed what they can do when they put their minds to it. They went straight back into Foyle territory with some clever play by David Atkinson. Stephane Bergeron then made good ground in midfield before Foyle were penalised. Adam Hunter kicked for the corner and from the resulting lineout the pack showed their power by driving over the line for Adam Currie to touch down. Rainey now led 17- 10.
With time running out Foyle threw everything at Rainey looking for another score. Although at times the Rainey defence lost its composure they tackled their hearts out and held on for 17 – 10 win.
This was a much better performance from Rainey. They displayed guts and commitment which had maybe not been there in previous games. They also showed that they have lots of talent and can score tries from different areas of the pitch. This was also a encouraging performance considering that 10 of this side will be back in school next season.
The ‘Quinn’s Coach Hire’ sponsored 2nd XV won comfortably 29 0 with tries from Michael Lynn (3) and Nathan Lennox (2). Michael also kicked 2 conversions.
The ‘James Reid Building Contractor (Maghera)’ sponsored Medallion lost 19 14 with tries from Bryn Davies and Ciaran Doyle. Karl Warner kicked 2 conversions. This was their first defeat of the season.
The U14 had an excellent result winning 47 10 with tries from Jonathan Davis (4), Abban McCloy (2) and Marc Seffen. Ross Speers kicked 6 conversions.
The U13 continued their impressive start to the season. They remain unbeaten after defeating Foyle by 55 0. The tries were from Gareth Kirkwood (2), Leon Martin, Matthew Cowan, Matthew Dripps, Reuben Bell, Eoin McGarvey and Shea Conway. Daniel Barfoot (2), Thomas Currie (2) and Eoin McGarvey kicked conversions
This Saturday’s fixtures are against Portadown College and Clounagh JHS. The U13s and U14s are away to Clounagh JHS. The 1st XV, 2nd XV and Medallion are at home with 10.30am kick offs. All support welcome
