Rainey V @susrugby Report

jpalmer870 Gallery Rugby December 21, 2015 | 0

Rainey ES make it 10 wins in a row

On Saturday 19^th December the ’P Keenan Road Surfacing’ sponsored Rainey ES 1^st XV were on the road again as they travelled to Holywood to play Sullivan Upper School. This was potentially one off the toughest games off the season as Sullivan has been one of the top schools in Ulster recently. Rainey were forced to make a couple of changes for this game. The Magherafelt boys had to play into a strong wind but started positively. However, they suffered a setback when Todd Smyth and Mark Mulholland clashed heads and therefore had to leave the pitch. Rainey readjusted quickly and continued to put Sullivan under pressure. Midway through the first half Rainey put themselves in a great attacking position. Andrew Nevin and Adam Currie both made dents in the Sullivan defence before Lorcan Quinn found a gap to score. He converted his own try to make it 7-0. Sullivan responded immediately and went on the attack but a fabulous tackle from Richard Winder lifted the Rainey defence. Sullivan enjoyed a period of possession but resolute Rainey defence, particularly from Matthew Mulholland, kept them at bay. The Sullivan pressure eventually paid when they kicked a penalty to make it 7-3. Rainey, nevertheless, finished the half on the front foot with Gregory Conway making good ground on the wing.

Sullivan stunned Rainey at the kick off when they scored within seconds of the whistle. This put them 10-7 ahead. Rainey realised that they couldn’t take quality opposition for granded and regrouped. A fine positional kick from Matthew Smyth gave them an excellent attacking position. Matthew Gordon drove for the line but was stopped short, but when the ball was recycled Anton Lupari was on hand to crash over. Lorcan converted to make it 14-10 to Rainey. Sullivan came back at Rainey, asking a few questions of their defence. Kelvin Hyndman making his first start of the season was making a lot of tackles. With the home side attempting to go wide, Cameron Stewart timed his run perfectly to intercept a pass and run 50 metres to score under the posts. Lorcan converted again to make it 21-10. Rainey now had momentum and forced Sullivan deep into their own half. Wingers Michael Lynn and Adam Hunter both worked extremely hard chasing kicks and putting the Sullivan back three under pressure. Rainey’s fourth try came when David Atkinon found Andrew Hawe who broke a number tackles. Connor Stringer and William Drennan both showed skill and determination to continue the attack. When Rainey were awarded a 5 metre scrum Anton Lupari drove over to score. With Lorcan converting Rainey now led 28-10. With time running out Sullivan sought out a consolation score. With a few minutes remaining they score to make the final score 28-17 to Rainey.

This was another fabulous performance from the Rainey boys. This performance required guts and determination which they displayed in abundance. The fact that they had to reshuffle on a number of occasion’s shows the strength and character that is within the squad. With hard work over the Christmas holiday they should be in a good place with the cup campaign to begin in January.

The ‘Noonan’ sponsored Medallion were also missing some players when they came up against a fancied Sullivan Medallion. In a very close game they lost 29-19 with Ciaran Doyle, Bryn Davies and Jack Bresland scoring tries. Harry Evans kicked two conversions. The U14s probably produced the result of the day, Trailing Sullivan 24-7 they showed amazing character to come back to win 28-24. Jonathan Davis (2) and Abban McCloy (2) scored the tries. Ross Speers kicked 4 conversions. The U13s showed great effort and commitment in their game but lost 39-17. Ryan Brown, Matthew Cowan and Daniel Barfoot scored tries. Daniel Barfoot also kicked one conversion.

The next fixtures are on the 2^nd January 2016. The 1^st XV and 2^nd XV are at home to Bnbridge Academy with a 10.30am kick off. The Medallion are at home to Campbell College with a 10.15am kick off. All support welcome.

Rainey Rugby would like to wish all their players, coaches and supporters a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.