Rainey ES impress with 6 tries against Omagh

On Wednesday 25^th November the ’P Keenan Road Surfacing’ sponsored Rainey ES 1^st XV continued their impressive run with their 8^th win in a row. They travelled to the Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown, where they faced Omagh Academy. It was anticipated that this would be a really tough game as Omagh had only been beaten by one Ulster School this season. Rainey began the game with real purpose putting Omagh under pressure. Continual attacks, with Adam Thornton and Richard Winder doing damage, eventually led to a penalty which Lorcan Quinn converted to give Rainey a 3-0 lead. Rainey continued to attack and were soon rewarded with their first try. The forwards drove hard for the line. Andrew Nevin and Adam Currie both made good ground before Neal Hastings slipped through a gap to score by the posts. Lorcan Quinn converted to make it 10-0.

Omagh then came to life and went on the attack for the first time in the game. They threatened the Rainey line a couple of times but excellent organisation of the defence by Cameron Stewart keep them out. However, with the try line blocked the Omagh outhalf dropped a goal to make the score 10-3.

The remainder of the half, however, belonged to Rainey. They lifted the ‘tempo’ of the game and Omagh found it difficult to keep pace. The second try belonged to the power of the forwards. A clean lineout catch was driven from 10 metres out. Matthew Gordon provided a lot of power as Anton Lupari touched down to make it 15-3. The backs can take credit for the next try. From quick lineout ball the ball was moved slickly along the backs. Matthew Mulholland found space before putting Michael Lynn away. Michael showed great back to beat a couple of defenders on the outside to score in the corner. Rainey now led 20-3. The Magherafelt boys, who were playing with real confidence, had time for one more try before half time. The ball was driven forward by Andrew Hawe and with a couple of defenders to beat he fed a beautiful pass to Neal Hastings who crossed for his second try. This gave Rainey a 25-3 lead at half time.

Rainey started the second half were they left off the first. They attacked at every opportunity. A beautiful break by Matthew Smyth left a couple of defenders in his wake. When threatened to be tackled Lorcan Quinn ran a fine support line to receive a pass and score a lovely try. Now Rainey led 30-3. Omagh, however, battled back and began to enjoy a little more possession. They used their forwards to try and get back into the game. Their driving game caused Rainey some problems. Eventually it paid off when they scored to make it 30-10.

Still, Rainey were not finished and probably scored the best try of the game. From a lineout Adam Hunter joined the line and made good progress in midfield. He found Mark Mulholland in support and he gave a beautiful pass to Michael Lynn who again showed excellent pace to outpace the defence to score. Lorcan Quinn added the conversion to make the final score 37-10.

This was another pleasing performance from the Rainey side who are starting to mature into promising team. The hard work and dedication that they have displayed at training is starting to pay dividends.

Unfortunately, the junior teams did not have a successful morning on Saturday 28^th against Omagh Academy. The U14s lost 24-0, the U13A lost 10-5 with a try from Matthew Gibson and the U13B lost 33-0.

Bet wishes to the 3^rd XV who play Methodist College 4^th XV in round 1 of the Danske Bank 3^rd XV Cup on Wednesday 2^nd December.

This Saturday’s fixtures are against RS Armagh. The 1^st XV and 2^nd XV are away. The Medallion, U14 and U13 are at home. Kick offs are at 10.00am and all support is welcome. Refreshments are now on sale at all home games, so come along and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee while you cheer on the teams.