Ulster Bank AIL Div 2c Promotion Play-Off 22nd April 2017
Scorers: Corrigan(1*Try), O'Hagan(1*Try), Andrew(1*Try), McLean(1*Conv)
Many of Rainey Old Boys' best displays in senior rugby have come away from home and their result at Hamilton Park, Strandhill, comes into that category. A richly deserved 30-21 victory over Sligo in a gripping encounter earns them home advantage when they meet Tullamore this week in the play-off final for promotion to Division 2B, a game which should attract a bumper crowd to Hatrick Park. The Co. Offaly side beat Bective Rangers 22-15 in the other play-off match, but must travel again, having finished fourth in the league while Rainey were third.
There was a great atmosphere at a sunny venue where a good crowd from Magherafelt and district mingled with the vociferous home support. While Sligo had to make a late change in their front-row, Rainey were without full-back Quinn. On the plus side, however, they had their Ulster "A" forwards O'Hagan and McCusker and fit again Damien McMurray.Returning captain Jonny Lees had to settle for a place on the bench.
Having defeated Rainey twice in the league, Sligo were favourites to take the other promotion place behind Navan, but Rainey were quietly confident after putting together a few wins as they were able to welcome back some of their injured squad. They have had to be very patient after struggling to field a competitive side during an injury crisis, but, if they can reduce the penalty count and cut out the silly errors, they will hold their own at this level.
Sligo drew first blood after five minutes when gifted a simple penalty on the 22' and were handed another three points shortly afterwards when Jody McMurray sliced a penalty to touch and Rainey transgressed at the lineout. With both sides intent on keeping the ball in hand, there was a lot of movement at a fair pace and Rainey announced their arrival on fifteen minutes with a very good try. Out-half Andrew placed a kick across the Sligo 22' for wing McMcCusker to keep the ball alive under pressure and find his support who took it on into the corner for No8 Corrigan to get the touchdown. Full-back McLean converted with a magnificent effort and was to play an inspiring part thereafter with his prowess from the tee.
Within two minutes, Sligo were back in front. A lovely long pass sent the left-wing racing down pitch to the clubhouse end where he transferred infield to his unmarked support. Then it was Rainey's turn. O'Hagan took a great ball at the tail to surge into the Sligo 22' and brush off all would-be tacklers to power over for a stunning try. Mc Lean's conversion edged Rainey 14-13 ahead. Rainey's scrummaging was looking solid as they stayed in the Sligo half to add a penalty, but yet another silly penalty kept the Connacht men in touch.
Rainey continued too impress with their commitment and handling until a poor pass ruined a promising move on the left, but a ball over the tail brought them a penalty in midfield and the inevitable three points. Right on halftime, they added the try which was the perfect end to a great forty minutes rugby and the key moment of an incident-packed contest. Retaining possession well as they stretched Sligo in their 22', some dazzling footwork took Andrew through for a super score, the conversion leaving them 27-16 in front.
Another outstanding kick from a wide angle gave Rainey a great start to the second half and they were unfortunate not to add another try when Wilson led an attack down the touchline and then Jody McMurray burst through the centre with brother Damien in support. But, just as he was about to deliver what could have been the scoring pass, an ankle tap tackle brought him down. Sligo then enjoyed a spell in the Rainey half, but created nothing until a rare missed tackle brought them a try out of the blue.
Rainey worked their way upfield several times, but infuriatingly gave away penalties to find themselves back in their own territory. They also failed to make the best use of the breeze blowing towards the clubhouse and were in trouble when, not for the first time this season, they were reduced to thirteen men. Hooker Caithness was first to go on the seventy minute mark, with Wilson following him to the bin a few minutes later. With Jody McMurray operating at No8 and O'Hagan and Barker taking it to the Sligo pack, Rainey emptied the tank and a glorious little kick to the corner from replacement Martin ensured that Sligo were not going to win this one.
TEAM : S.McLean, A.Donaghy, D.McMurray, J.McMurray, P.McCusker, R.Andrew, M.Wilson, K.Donaghy, M.Caithness, T.O'Hagan, R.McCusker, J.McCusker, M.McCusker, T.Barker, D.Corrigan.
REPLACEMENTS : S.Rutledge, J.Lees, G.Martin.