Ulster Bank League 8th April 2017
Scorers: McLean(7*Conv), McMurray(1*Try), O'Hagan(1*Try), Donaghy(1*Try), Wilson(1*Try), Stewart(1*Try), R.McCusker(1*Try), McSwiggan(1*Try)
Spectators at Hatrick Park have not had that much to get excited about in recent months, but Rainey Old Boys treated them to a seven-try exhibition on Easter Saturday as they strolled to a facile 49-0 victory in their final league game. Having kicked a last minute penalty to steal a dramatic win and safety at Midleton, Bangor were not too bothered about this game, but,with a play-off at Sligo very much in mind, Rainey wanted to improve on recent form. This they managed to do, their handling and kicking out of hand much more like the thing. And as more players return from injury, they were able to give props Rutledge and McSwiggan some valuable game time. Flanker Lees might also be available to play some part, having broken a thumb a month ago.
Rainey were ahead within five minutes of the start, moving lineout ball across their backs for McMurray to go through with ease. Full-back McLean converted and went on to give another fine exhibition of place kicking. Phlilp McCusker was then just beaten by the dead ball line when he chased a little kick through from Andrew following a break by right-wing Donaghy. Rainey stretched their lead after 27 minutes when prop O'Hagan forced his way over from a close range lineout. The Ulster "A" star's presence at the tail was to hurt Bangor throughout. Rainey's scrum, which went well in the first quarter, began to come under pressure to let the seasiders back into the picture towards half-time.
When Andrew was taken down by a high tackle, Rainey kicked to the corner where Barker led the drive which brought hooker Kieran Donaghy his first try in AIL rugby in ten seasons. Bangor began to capitulate when Wilson hacked on to score following a kick downfield which was well chased. Then, when Bangor cleared to touch, Andrew took a quick lineout which should have brought a try on the opposite wing. In a rare Bangor attack, a forward pass let Rainey off the hook and they swooped to the far end with Wilson prominent for the pack to drive over, Stewart getting the touchdown. Second-row Ronan McCusker carried half the visitors' pack over for a popular try when O'Hagan again tore through the opposition from a lineout and O'Hagan was involved again when he won ball at the tail for his support to help young prop McSwiggan to a try. With seven minutes of normal time left to play, the referee blew the game up early.
TEAM : S.McLean, A.Donaghy, R.Andrew, J.McMurray, P.McCusker, O.Quinn, M.Wilson, F.Quinn, K.Donaghy, T.O'Hagan, R.McCusker, P.Stewart, M.McCusker, T.Barker, D.Corrigan.
REPLACEMENTS : S.Rutledge, B.Mullan, M.Miller, G.Martin, A.McSwiggan.