Energia AIL 2A 14th December 2019
Scorers: Magrath(3*Pen), Roberts(1*Try), (1*Pen Try)
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A good crowd turned out at Hatrick Park to see Rainey Old Boys defeat Ballymena 21-0 to complete the first half of their AIL programme and remain in second place in the table.  With the fixtures now coming in reverse order, their next outing in this competition will be at Eaton Park next month.

Rainey had this game sewn up by the half hour stage and looked a safe bet to go on and take a bonus point, but, as the temperature dropped dramatically and the breeze they faced after the break became a wind, Ballymena had more of the ball, but got no change out of a very solid Rainey defence.  Rainey's backline never clicked in attack as they held on too often with numbers outside.  Nevertheless, six wins at this level is a very respectable effort.

Energia AIL 2A 7th December 2019
Scorers: Magrath(1*Pen)

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Match Of The Day in Division 2A was the top of the table clash where clear leaders MU Barnhall met Rainey Old Boys at their Parsonstown complex just outside Cellbridge.  Rainey put in a huge shift and were there with a real chance throughout, but the Blue Bulls edged the last quarter to clinch an 8-3 victory.  With a nine point lead and results elsewhere going in their favour, Barnhall are now odds-on favourites to go straight up to Division 1B. Having won every single league game they have played since last October, this is a remarkable achievement, which justifies their amalgamation with Maynooth University a few seasons ago.

While there was only one try scored in this low-scoring game, it was an entertaining, ding-dong tussle from start to finish.  Barnhall know that they were fortunate to turn round only 3-0 behind at half-time and if Rainey had taken their penalties instead of plumping for other options, the outcome could have been different.  The sides were well matched, the encounter played out at pace with great intensity and the tackling of both truly exceptional.

Energia AIL 2A 30th November 2019

Scorers: O'Neill(1*Try), Magrath(1*Pen, 1*Conv), (1*Pen Try)

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The much anticipated clash between Queen's University and Rainey Old Boys could not nave had a more sensational ending.  When a 50 yard penalty deep in time added by Queen's out-half Richie McMaster drifted just past the post, a share of the spoils looked like perhaps the right result.  But, when Rainey opted for a short drop out from the 22', it did not go quite as planned and a turnover handed the students an unexpected chance to set up a ruck from which McMaster popped over a drop goal to give his side a 20-17 victory.  The final whistle sounded as soon as a score was awarded, sending the Queen's contingent into raptures and the losers into despair.

The prospect of an entertaining contest attracted a good crowd to Queen's magnificent complex at The Dub where both the overhead and underfoot conditions were perfect for the fifteen man rugby which favour the style of rugby that these sides like to play.  A close run affair was to follow, with the lead changing several times.  This result keeps Queen's in touch of the leaders while Barnhall remain the team to beat.

Energia AIL 2A 16th November 2019
Scorers: Magrath(1*Try, 2*Pen, 3*Conv), Roberts(2*Try), A.Donaghy(1*Try)
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Having beaten Queen's in their last outing, Old Crescent were expected to be a tough nut to crack, but the Limerick men had no answer to a focused Rainey side which treated the Hatrick Park crowd to a very impressive display.  Resuming where they left off at Cashel, they performed as a unit to have the game sewn up by half-time and went on to secure a bonus point with a 32-10 victory.

Energia AIL 2A 9th November 2019

Scorers: Magrath(2*Pen, 1*Conv), Fitzsimons(1*Try), Bloomfield(1*Try)

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Match of the day in Division 2A of the AIL was at Spafield where top three sides Cashel and Rainey Old Boys provided a cliffhanger of a contest which had a dramatic climax.  Cashel had won all three of their previous meetings, but Rainey emptied the tank to come away with an 18-15 victory which must rank with their best displays ever.  The long journey home will have been a most satisfying few hours.