COOKSTOWN 0 - 65 RAINEY III

Regional West 26th January 2018
Scorers: Friel 4*Try), Andrews(2*Try), Flanigan(1*Try), McGuckin(1*Try, 1*Conv), Higgins(1*Try, 4*Conv), Bell(1*Try), McSwiggan(1*Try)

Rainey III maintained their 100% record in Regional West when they ran out easy winners in a 0 – 65 encounter against Cookstown at Drapersfield last Saturday, with centre Friel bagging 4.  Although the pitch was soggy, it didn't prevent Rainey from playing some good running rugby as they consolidated their hold on the league.

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SKERRIES 20 - 13 RAINEY

Ulster Bank AIL 26th January 2018
Scorers: Magrath(2*Pen), 1*Pen Try

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As was feared, the loss of hooker Brad Roberts would be a major factor when Rainey Old Boys faced North Dublin side Skerries at Holmpatrick.  But it was not the sole reason why Rainey's ten game winning run came to an end.  Skerries were good value for their 20-13 victory, making the most of Rainey's poor decision making and silly mistakes.  To make matters even worse, ace flanker Paul Pritchard picked up a nasty head injury midway through the second half which could keep him out of action for some time.

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RAINEY 71 - 0 CITY OF DERRY

Ulster Bank AIL 6th January 2018
Scorers: McMurray(4*Try), O'Neill(1*Try), Roberts(2*Try), Donaghy(1*Try), M.McCusker(1*Try), McSwiggan(1*Try), McLean(1*Try), Magrath(8*Conv)

 

After a mid-season dip in form, Rainey Old Boys were more like themselves as they defeated City of Derry 71-0 at a bright, but very cold Hatrick Park.  They ran in eleven tries, the first eight of them converted by ace marksman Andy Magrath, against a side facing a very tough future with a positive attitude.  With a vigour that has been missing in recent outings, a much sharper Rainey pack overpowered the city men in the set piece and supported well in the loose.  No8 Jody McMurray helped himself to four pushover tries, a very rare occurence, as well as being prominent in open play.  And, despite having three backs out of action, their handling was most impressive throughout.

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BELFAST HARLEQUINS 18 - 17 RAINEY

Soni Ulster Premiership League Section B 29th December 2017

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

 

There was little in the way of festive cheer to be had at Deramore Park, where Belfast Harlequins defeated Rainey Old Boys 18-17 in a mundane Soni Ulster Premiership League Section B fixture which never rose above a mediocre standard.  The lights were on right from the start, which was perhaps, just as well, since the activity on the pitch never threatened to lighten up the gloom.  While the outcome meant little to both sides, they will both be anxious to improve on this showing.  'Quins face a daunting task to stay in Division 2B, while Rainey can, and must, do a lot better if they are to keep the pressure on leaders Old Crescent.  The city side had more desire on the  day, but were not good enough to take advantage of Rainey's lack of hunger in the loose.

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SUNDAY'S WELL 21 - 29 RAINEY

Ulster Bank AIL 16th December 2017
Scorers: Magrath(1*Pen, 3*Conv), J.McCusker(1*Try), McMurray(1*Try), Donaghy(2*Try)

 

Two opportunist tries from left-wing Andrew Donaghy spared Rainey's blushes as they edged in front to beat third from bottom Sunday's Well 29-21 at Irish Independent Park. While the Old Boys came away with a bonus point, having created very few try scoring chances, the losers were denied a consolation bonus point when, with the last kick of the match, a 51 yard penalty dropped agonisingly short. And they could be excused for even thinking that they might have won the game. Sharper in the loose than Rainey, they kept the ball in hand well to cause problems and the outcome was in doubt until Donaghy hit them with his double salvo out of the blue in the final quarter. While John McCusker was surprisingly released by Ulster "A", Tim Barker did not travel and both he and Tommy O'Hagan were badly missed in a strangely subdued pack which never really got going.

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RAINEY 23 - 8 SKERRIES

Ulster Bank All ireland League 25th November 2017

Scorers: Pritchard(1*Try), Magrath(1*Try, 2*Conv, 3*Pen)

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While leaders Old Crescent were needing a late penalty to beat Belfast Harlequins at Deramore, Rainey Old Boys had to settle for four points from their 23-8 victory over Skerries at Hatrick Park.  The North Dublin side proved to be a tough nut to crack.  After making an impressive start to the campaign, they have slipped down the table, but their tackling was so good that a winning bonus point was never a consideration in a game which died the death in the last quarter.  With Lamberton, Quinn and Harbinson nursing minor injuries, Rainey were able to introduce Callum Smyth and Ciaran Devlin to senior rugby, in what was still a very strong squad.

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