Rainey ES face tough School’s Cup task
On Saturday 6th February the ‘P Keenan Road Surfacing’ sponsored Rainey ES travel to Methodist College, Belfast in Round 3 of the Danske Bank School’s Cup. Rainey hope to buld on their Round 2 success when they defeated RS Armagh. On that occasion they came from behind to win and relied on tries from Anton Lupari and Neal Hastings together with the trusty boot of Lorcan Quinn. The game against Methody will be a real challenge, as the Belafast school are the most successful school in School’s Cup history and are always among the favourites to lift the trophy.
However, the Rainey squad has had a very good season with impressive victories against RBAI, Ballymena Academy and Sullivan Upper School against their name. Out of 16 games this season they have only been defeated 3 times resulting in them being seeded into Round 2.
They have scored over 400 points in the 16 games they have played. A lot of these points have been scored through tries, with Michael Lynn and Cameron Stewart often getting on the score sheet. Top try scorer, however, is Ulster U19 player Anton Lupari. Vice-Captain Lorcan Quinn is the top point’s scorer.
It has been a difficult season for Captain Andrew Brown who got injured in the first week in September. He has had to watch the games from the side line. But Andrew has shown great determination and courage to fight his way back to fitness, playing against RS Armagh and displaying what an important figure he is in the team. It will also be a big day for the Form 5’s in the squad, particularly David Atkinson and Adam Thornton.
Rainey, unfortunately, will be without the services of 3 influential players who have recently suffered injury. Although, Adam Currie, Wallace Bruce and Matthew Smyth will be wishing their team-mates well on the big day.
It is an extremely talented squad and they have exceptional players throughout. They have displayed excellent commitment, work rate and dedication this season. The success of this season is down to the fantastic attitude of the whole squad. They have really impressed coaches Chris Campbell, Peter Boyle and Stu McCalmont. Rainey go into this game as rank outsiders, but there is a feeling and quiet confidence in the squad that they can cause a real upset. If the boy’s play at a high intensity and to their potential, they could give their illustrious opponents a shock. It is hoped that a large crowd can attend to cheer the team to victory. The game is on this Saturday at Pirrie Park, Belfast with a 11.00am kick off. All support will be much appreciated.
Other Rainey ES fixtures are the 3rd XV hosting Wallace HS in the Quarter Final of the Danske Bank 3rd XV Plate. The game is on Wednesday at Meadowbank Sports Arena with a 4pm kick off. On Saturday 6th February the U13s, U14s and Medallion travel to play Dalriada. All support would be welcome at all these games.
Wilma from the Fashion House, Magherafelt presents a match ball to 1st XV Captain Andrew Brown and Matthew Mulholland
