Ulster Bank AIL Div 2c Promotion Play-Off  29th April 2017
Scorers: McLean(1*Try, 1*Conv, 1*Pen), Quinn(2*Try), P.McCusker(2*Try), J.McMurray(1*Try)

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The hundreds of spectators who rolled into Hatrick Park last Saturday were treated to an exhilarating exhibition of running rugby as Rainey Old Boys beat Tullamore 35-23 in the BP Mc Keefry Transport Solutions sponsored Play-Off final to go straight back up to Division 2B.  Rainey's first half display was exceptionally good and how the Co Offaly men managed to keep in touch remains a bit of a mystery.  Making it a triple celebration at the club were the U14 team who beat a fancied Virginia side 26-12 in Co Cavan and the Hockey Club's 2nd XI who beat CIYMS III in Belfast.

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)

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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.

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)

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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.

Ulster Bank League 8th April 2017

Scorers: McLean(2*Pen, 1*Try, 1*Conv), J.McMurray(1*Try)

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Much has changed since Rainey Old Boys beat Boyne 38-3 in late September and it was no great surprise when they struggled to win the return fixture 18-17 at Shamrock Lodge, Drogheda, on Saturday.  Both sides face play-off games on April 22 and, while Boyne can take a lot of plusses from this very plucky display, Rainey will have to raise their game considerably if they are to have any hope of lowering Sligo's colours in Strandhill.

UBL  25th March 2017

Scorers: Donaghy(1*Try), P.McCusker(1*Try), Wilson(1*Try), Barker(1*Try), O'Hagan(1*Try), McLean(2*Pen, )

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After a couple of late setbacks,Rainey Old Boys eventually got going to run in six tries against Cork visitors Midleton for a 42-26 win.  But they only held a two point lead with seven minutes of normal play remaining and they cannot afford the sloppy passages of play that kept Midleton in the game for so long.  Tommy O'Hagan returned at prop to show just why he is so highly rated at the Ulster Academy and replacement wing Philip McCusker, a relative newcomer to the game, had a second-half to remember.  Prop Stephen Rutledge was another happy man, his troublesome hamstring standing up to the test.

UBL  11th March 2017

Scorers: McMurray(1*Try), Martin(1*Pen), McLean(1*Pen)

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The side that Rainey Old Boys fielded against Seapoint at Kilboggett Park bore little resemblance to the one which ran out easy 31-0 winners in Magherafelt early in the season.  Already badly hit in the front-row department, a very late replacement had to be found for captain Jonny Lees and, despite their gallant efforts, they could not match the hunger of the Dubliners whose 23-11 victory takes them clear of the relegation zone.

There were four McCusker brothers in the Rainey squad for the first time at Cabinteely, where Rainey put together some good phases, but just could not sort out the lineout problems that have brought their challenge to a halt.  Young Jack McIntosh received the call-up again in the absence of another injured prop Aidan McSwiggan and he should benefit from the experience.