Ulster Bank AIL Play-Off Semi-Final 21st April 2018

Scorers: Bloomfield(1*Try), McLean(1*Try), Quinn(1*Try), Magrath(1*Conv, 2*Pen, 1*Drop Goal)

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The spring sunshine attracted a big crowd to Hatrick Park for the play-off semi-final between Rainey Old Boys and Kildare side Barnhall. There was nothing between the teams until a gem of a try gave Rainey a little breathing space midway through the second half and they improved their position with a drop goal five minutes from the end of normal time for a 26-14 victory.  Promotion is the prize for the winners of next week's final when Rainey meet Navan at Hatrick Park.  The Meath club defeated Greystones 22-16 at Dr. Hickey Park where the scores were tied at 16-16 when the 2A side had a player yellow carded in the closing minutes.

With all their backs available for selection,Rainey coach John Andrews had a couple of hard decisions to make for this game, but Tim Barker was declared fit to start after intensive treatment during the week.  Paul Pritchard trained, but was not included among the replacements.  He is to see his consultant again this week and just might make an appearance.

Ulster Bank AIL 24th March 2018

Scorers: Barker(1*Try), McMurray(1*Try), R.McCusker(1*Try), Magrath(1*Pen, 3*Conv), Pack(1*Pen Try)

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While Old Crescent were clinching the Division 2B title in Limerick, Rainey Old Boys and Navan were securing their place in the play-offs.  Rainey beat Belfast Harlequins 31-21 at Hatrick Park, with Navan's home win over Barnhall taking them closer to the Kildare side.  Rainey  are now well placed to grab the all-important home advantage in the play-offs.

While Rainey were  happy to pick up a try scoring bonus point against Harlequins, they will know that  they will have to perform a lot better if they are to win promotion.  Some of their injured men are back in action, but are short of match practice.  The pack are not playing as a unit and their lineout play continues to disappoint.  Tackling is sure to be top of the list at training over the next fortnight.  The next game is a home meeting with Navan on April 7.

Ulster Bank AIL 17th March 2018
Scorers: Magrath(1*Pen)

With three games to play in Division 2B, Rainey Old Boys remain in second place behind runaway leaders Old Crescent.  But their lead has been cut to only three points.  Third placed Barnhall beat them 25-3 at Parsonstown to reduce the deficit and increase the pressure as the battle for second place hots up.  Barnhall  face a tricky proposition this week when they must travel to Navan who will be seeking a play-off spot.

While two other Division 2B games were re-arranged for March 31, Rainey  were forced to play on a date which did not suit them.  They had to settle for an 11.00am kick-off, and with a depleted side, never looked like winning.  The only consolation for Rainey came from stopping Barnhall from banking a bonus point for scoring four tries.

SONI Ulster Premiership League 8th March 2018

Scorers: M.McCusker(1*Try), Lamberton(1*Try), J.McMurray(1*Try), Martin(1*Conv)

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Rainey welcomed Dungannon to Hatrick Park last Thursday night for their final SONI Ulster Premiership League game and with nothing at stake, gave a run out to a number of fringe players.  Both sides tried to play a fast, open brand of rugby, but lacked accuracy.  Rainey had plenty of chances to win it, but Dungannon held on for a 20-17 victory.

Jason Bloomfield made a welcome return from injury and the former Ireland U19 scrum-half created the best try of the night and came close to winning it for his team in the last minute.

Ulster Bank AIL 17th February 2017

Scorers: O'Hagan(1*Try), J.McCusker(1*Try), Magrath(2*Pen, 2*Conv)

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Rainey Old Boys maintained their second placing in the league, but will have to play a lot better if they are to add to their points total.  On a lovely afternoon for playing rugby, the boost of an early try was not even enough to get them going and it took the boot of out-half Andy Magrath to ease them clear for a 23-14 victory.

After playing so well at Wanderers, this was a very poor display, making it a game to forget.  Concentration was almost non-existent and too many forwards stood out among the backs watching the ball carrier plough a lone furrow.  The passing and handling in such good conditions made it a  game of very few try-scoring chances, so different frame of mind will be essential at Barnhall in two weeks time.

Ulster Bank AIL 3rd February 2018
Scorers: Donaghy(2*Try), Lamberton(1*Try), O'Neill(1*Try), Magrath(2*Pen, 1*Drop Goal, 1*Conv)
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In a game that had just about everything, Rainey Old Boys, with a squad which was almost down to the bare bones, pulled off a remarkable 31-22 victory over Wanderers on the back pitch at the Aviva Stadium to keep their promotion hopes alive.  The Dublin 4 side must be wondering how they took away nothing from a game which they dominated territorially.  With more options in the lineout, their pack provided a good backline with a steady stream of good ball, but Rainey worked their socks off to contain them, set them back with some crashing tackles and run in four exceptional tries for a dramatic, if unexpected,win.