Rainey ES start 2016 with a win
On Saturday 2nd January the ’P Keenan Road Surfacing’ sponsored Rainey ES 1st XV played at home having been on the road for a number of weeks. The opposition was Banbridge Academy. Rainey were forced to make a number of changes due to a number of players being sick. The home side started strongly pushing Banbridge deep into their own territory. Matthew Gordon and Adam Currie were really causing the visiting defence problems with strong running. Unfortunately, Rainey suffered another lose when Adam had to leave the field injured.
Rainey found the Banbridge defence difficult to break down. Matthew Mulholland, Nathan Lennox and Matthew Smyth all came close to crossing the line but the try was denied. As time progressed Rainey were guilty of trying to force the game and again chances went a begging. Just before the half time whistle Banbridge put in a series of attacks that forced Rainey back. Only for some excellent defending by William Drennan and Richard Winder Rainey may have found themselves behind at half time.
A more composed Rainey side started the 2nd half. They went immediately on the attack. A sharp break by Lorcan Quinn set up Kelvin Hyndman, who fed Connor Stringer who drove over the line for the opening try. Rainey now led 5 0. This settled the home side and they attacked with more coolness. David Atkinson started the attack for the second score. He broke into the Banbridge territory before finding Michael Lynn in support. When he was stopped Cameron Stewart was on hand to beat the last defender to score. Lorcan Quinn converted to make it 12 0. Rainey were now enjoying the bulk of possession and territory and although the conditions were far from ideal for open rugby were trying their best to play the 15 man game. A third try followed soon. Andrew Hawe powered forward, breaking a cople of tackles. Adam Hunter was in support and he completed the move by finding Neal Hastings who touched down. This gave Rainey a 17 0 lead.
With a few minutes remaining a drop in concentration gave Banbridge an unnecessary attacking opportunity. Although Benaiah Paul made a super tackle Banbridge touched down and converted to make the final score 17 7 to Rainey. Although not a vintage performance the team had to adapt to a number of changes and difficult conditions. It is also encouraging that they can play below the best and still win comfortably.
The ‘Quinns Coach Hire’ sponsored 2nd XV were seriously depleted of a number of key players when they played Banbridge Academy. They gve everything but lost 32 5 with Benaiah Paul scoring the try.
The ‘James Reid Building Contractor (Maghera)’ sponsored Medallion had the result of the day defeating Campbell College, Belfast 19 0. The Medallion were also missing players through injury and illness but played at an intensity that Campbell College could not live with. Tries from David Dripps (2) and Kieran Doyle, along with two Karl Warner conversions completed this impressive victory.
This Saturday’s fixtures are against Ballyclare HS. The U13s and U14s are away. The 1st XV, 2nd XV and Medallion are at home with 10.15am kick offs. All support welcome.
