Energia AIL 19th October 2019
Scorers: Bloomfield(1*Try), Magrath(2*Try, 3*Conv), McCusker(1*Try)
Photos

For the second time this month, Rainey Old Boys faced the arduous long trip to the Mid-West of Ireland where UL Bohemians were hoping to open their account in the AIL.  But Rainey were to enjoy their journey home after a 26-21 success which earned them a try-scoring bonus point.  They now lie in third place.

Limerick is often referred to as the home of Irish rugby. Since its inception in 1991, the AIL has been dominated by Limerick city clubs.  Limerick Bohemians enjoyed some success in the top division, but have slipped down in recent times.  Having amalgamated with the local university, they are now called UL.Bohemians, playing their home games at the Uni's magnificent complex at Annacotty in the north of the city.

While Bohs may have had the advantage of playing on a surface they are well used to, Rainey, being a top-of-the-ground side, were happy enough on the 4G pitch and started well, going 7-0 ahead with an early try and conversion from centre Magrath.  They remained in control without adding to their lead, but had back-row man Michael McCusker yellow carded and conceded a try to turn round on level terms.

Rainey soon reasserted their superiority, with a second Magrath try, another from excellent scrum-half Bloomfield and a touchdown by McCusker taking them 26-7 clear.  Once again, they managed to shoot themselves in the foot, setting up a nerve-racking finish.  Replacement centre Shaw saw red for an aerial challenge and the Robins, coached by former Munster and Ireland player Colm Tucker, ran in two late tries.

TEAM : Devlin, A.Donaghy, O'Neill, Magrath, Mulholland, Connolly, Bloomfield, McSwiggan, Roberts, Quinn, R.McCusker, J.McCusker, J,Bresland,

M.Mc Cusker, Bratton.

REPLACEMENTS : Hume, Shaw, McIntosh, K.Donaghy, Evans.