Premiership Division 2 1st October 2022
Scorers: Smyth(2*Try), Faiva(1*Try), O'Hagan(1*Try), (1*Pen Try), McLean(3*Conv)
Rainey Old Boys travelled to Galway last Saturday for their opening AIL fixture against Galway Corinthians at Corinthian Park. In a rollercoaster 34-33 game, they at least had the consolation that the 2 losing bonus points they came away with could be crucial at the business end of the season.
The home side got off to a cracking start, scoring 2 converted tries within 6 mins as Rainey seemed to think they were still on the bus. Steadying the ship, Rainey fought their way back into the game and were rewarded when a maul to the 5m and a series of pick-and-goes ended with No8 Smyth crossing the tryline in the 21st minute. McLean added the conversion.
Corinthians added a penalty before fullback Faiva, receiving a clearance kick on half-way, tore the defence apart to score a brilliant individual try, eventually diving over in the corner. McLean was on target once more with a great kick, but just before half-time Corinthians added to their total to leave the score 22-14 at the break.
They were quick out-of-the blocks in the second period adding another converted try after 43 mins, leaving Rainey supporters to wonder where the team would go from here. They soon got their answer, with Captain Tommy O’Hagan charging over in the 49th minute. The addition of substitute prop McSwiggan added more aggression to the Rainey carrying game and when a driving 5m scrum was collapsed by Corinthians, the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try in the 70th minute to narrow the deficit to 29-26.
With a tense last 10min beckoning, Corinthians scored once more in the 74th minute to seal the home win, but Smyth repeated efforts from earlier in the game to score his second converted try, reduce the deficit and earn another precious bonus point.
The action now switches back to Hatrick Park on 8th October, when Rainey will entertain Belfast Harlequins, currently sitting in second place after defeating Sligo 26-9