Regional League South 18th November 2017

Scorers: Lawrence(1*Try), Andrews(1*Try), Crooks(2*Try), Hall(1*Try), Gordon(1*Try), Lloyd-Evans(3*Conv, 1*Pen)

Three tries in the last fifteen minutes enabled Rainey OB III to pull clear for a 44-17 victory over Dromore II in Regional League South.  Although midway through the second-half, the outcome was in the melting pot, the next try was likely to prove vital and it was Rainey who scored it when back-row man Lawrence took a pass from McSwiggan to go clear.

Regional South 4th November 2017

Scorers: Campton(1*Try), Hall(1*Try), Ferson(1*Conv)

Photos

Although conditions were perfect at the Palace Grounds as Armagh IV kicked off against Rainey III, the start by the Magherafelt men was far from being so.  On their first possession, out-half Hall's attempted chip over the defence was charged down and caught by an Armagh player who sprinted from halfway to score under the posts.  The conversion was good.  Five minutes later, they were 12-0 down when they proved unable to withstand an Armagh catch and drive from a 5m lineout.

Regional South 28th October 2017

Scorers: Lloyd-Evans(1*Try), Mulholland(1*Try), Hall(1*Try), Hastings(1*Try), McLean(1*Try, 5*Conv)

As Rainey III took the pitch against Banbridge V, a quick glance at the physicality of the opposition raised concerns as to how a team comprised of mainly U20s players would cope with their bigger and older opponents. In the event, although they lost 40-35, they were more than up to the challenge.

Kicking off with the wind at their backs, Rainey held Bann in their own half, with backrow Lawrence putting in numerous tackles, until a turnover was forced. From the scrum, out-half Hall released his backs to devastating effect. The ball reached winger Crooks, who interlinked beautifully with fullback McLean as they tore the Banbridge backs to shreds, before feeding inside to scrum-half Lloyd-Evans who had an easy canter over the line. In the first of five of excellent kicks, Mclean added the extras.

Regional League South 7th Oct 2017
Scorers: Hall(1*Try), Beattie(1*Try), McGuckin(1*Try, 1*Conv)

A few blasts from the past were rolled out as Rainey OB III opened their Regional League South programme with a fixture against Portadown IV at Hatrick Park.  While the Armagh men had their moments and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions, Rainey generally controlled things, with the experience of McCrea and Kempton holding them together.  Their scrum was particularly good.   Full-back Hall and centre Beattie scored first-half tries and flanker McGuckin claimed a third after the break. His conversion made the final score 17 - 0.

Regional League: Section 1 5th November 2016

Scorers: McIvor(3*Try), Loane(1*Try), McGuckin(1*Try, 2*Pen, 5*Conv)

Photos

In Regional League: Section 1, Rainey III entertained Finn Valley from Co Donegal.  The Ballybofey side contributed well in an open affair, scoring two good tries, but ended up on the wrong side of a 41-15 scoreline.  Rainey lost a player in the pre-match warm-up, causing them to switch Ciaran McIvor to out-half, a position totally foreign to him.  He has played most of his rugby on the flank, but had no problem slotting in and helped himself to three tries just for good measure.

Regional League: Section 1 19th November 2016

Scorers: Chada(1*Try), Trainor(1*Try), Shaw(1*Try), McGuckin(1*Conv)

In cold,but otherwise fine conditions, Rainey III climbed further up the table with a 17-7 victory over Strabane 2 at Hatrick Park.  Despite the frequent stoppages, silly options and baffling refereeing decisions, it was an enjoyable encounter, played in the right spirit.  The return of John McKenna at No8 after ankle trouble made a real difference to the Rainey pack which worked hard throughout.  They started well, with scrum-half Chada nipping through from a ruck to open the scoring.