Ulster Bank AIL 28th Oct 2017
Scorers: Magrath(1*Pen,2*Conv), Harbinson(2*Try), O'Neill(1*Try), Barker(1*Try)
Rainey Old Boys kicked off week 5 of the All Ireland League in fourth place with a tough ulster derby encounter against Mid-Ulster neighbours Dungannon. The game started at Stevenson Park with Rainey playing into a very strong wind. They showed their intention right from the start, moving ball wide and playing with some great pace and intensity.
The first half was a tight affair with Rainey controlling a lot of possession, but unable to gain much territory due to conditions. The set piece was untidy and although Rainey looked to have the upper hand, they were penalised in the first two scrums, giving Dungannon a foothold in the game. The Rainey frustration grew and this cost them another three penalties to give Dungannon their first attempt at goal. This one was missed, but shortly after from yet another penalty they did take the lead with the kick at posts.
Rainey opened their account on the half hour mark to go into half time all square at 3-3. In the second half Rainey went through the gears and their dominance up-front started to take its toll on the Dungannon defence. After some strong carries by O'Hagan, Pritchard and Barker, Rainey were awarded a penalty 5 metres out from the Dungannon line. McMurray turned down the opportunity to kick at goal and opted for the scrum. The Rainey scrum's dominance was impressive, and after a couple of penalties, Rainey moved ball for Harbinson to cross the line for a try and give Rainey the lead. Unforthunately, Magrath missed the conversion.
From kickoff, the impressive McCusker claimed the ball and Rainey got straight back on the attack. McCusker, and then Stirling on the wing, both found space to run and from one of these breaks the slick Rainey backline moved the ball wide for a fantastic finish from O’Neill wide on the left. Magrath added the extras.
Rainey looked rampant at this stage and the pace of game by Bloomfield and Magrath, with some superb ruck work, allowed the team to play some magnificent, entertaining Rugby. The next try was score of the day. From good line-out play, Pritchard broke off to run at the heart of the defence, the ball was recycled quickly and Bloomfield released Barker to run in untouched below the posts. Magrath again converted.
Rainey were now on the hunt for the bonus point and with the introduction of Wilson at scrum half, coupled with Rutledge and Quinn in the front row, the dominance continued. Wilson immediately started probing round the edges and put McMurray away. Again Rainey retained possession several times and Harbinson blasted over from close range to complete the job.
Dungannon got a consolation score when their winger intercepted a Rainey attack during the last play. Final score 27-10 to Rainey Old Boys, which moves them up to third in the league after 5 games played.
Next up is Wanderers from Dublin, on Saturday 4th November at Hatrick Park.
Team: O’Neill M, Stirling N, McMurray D (c), Quinn O, McCusker P, Magrath A. Bloomfield J, Ohagan T, Roberts B, Donaghy K, McCusker R, Barker T, McCusker M, Pritchard P, McMurray J
Subs: Rutledge S, Quinn F, McCusker J, Harbinson A, Wilson M