Provincial League 1 30th November 2019
Scorers: Hastings(1*Try), Kearns(1*Try, 4*Conv), B.Hall(1*Try), Doherty(1*Try), Moran(1*Try)
After a lay-off of almost a month, Rainey II were understandably slow out of the blocks as they faced an energetic Dromore II for the third time this season. Thankfully, they eventually shook off the rustiness to add another bonus-point win to their tally, emerging 33-10 winners, but they will know that improvements are needed if they are to keep the pressure on this league. A string of good results has seen Queen’s II and Ballynahinch III emerge from the chasing pack, with ‘Hinch travelling to Hatrick Park next weekend for what promises to be a tight encounter.
Conditions were good for running rugby, as the visitors kicked off with a small wind advantage and the setting sun dazzling the home side. Neither team was able to gain advantage from the early encounters, but just as Rainey seemed to be getting into their stride, their lack of game time became apparent. Following a knock-on, they stopped, expecting the ref to blow for a scrum, but a Dromore player reacted quicker to the advantage, grabbing the ball and scampering over unmolested from halfway.
This was just the wakeup call Rainey needed. From the restart, they forced their way slowly and methodically downfield, until a penalty gave them a 5m lineout. A drive for the line was held up, but from the scrum, Rainey began a series of surges for the line. With a penalty coming, first McIntosh was short by inches, then Kearns was forced into touch in the corner. A series of scrums and penalties followed, before a break by Evans drew the defensive cover, allowing Kearns to send through a grubber kick and Jonah Hastings to win the race for the touchdown. Kearns added the extras, as a Dromore player saw yellow for repeated infringements.
Dromore responded superbly, driving Rainey back into their 22’ and eventually winning a 5m lineout. Again, Rainey’s defensive frailties were exposed and they were unable to prevent the visitors going over in the corner. From the restart, Rainey immediately looked to be a different team, as Millar turned over the restart on halfway, and the forwards tore into the Dromore defence. A series of drives took them close, before Dromore’s attempt to clear their lines fell short of touch. A sprint down the touchline by Evans and fierce drives by Neal Hastings and McElroy took them closer, before Kearns crashed over from 5m, and subsequently adding the conversion.
Dromore again responded strongly, pushing Rainey back into some desperate defence. Spinning it wide to the right, the Dromore fullback came into the line and seemed certain to go over in the corner. Inexplicably, he opted to cut inside only to be downed by the covering defenders, and a few phases later a penalty allowed Rainey to clear their lines. From the lineout on the Rainey 10m line, McIntosh and then McElroy charged up the middle of the park. Neal Hastings continued the surge, before slipping a pass to Bryan Hall in support, who bounced the Dromore fullback on the 22’, before sprinting over between the posts. Kearns was on target once more.
A great run from the restart by O’Neill threatened to add to Rainey’s total, but they ended the half soaking up yet more Dromore pressure, without troubling the scoreboard.
With the sun to their backs in the second half, Rainey attacked incessantly, but a mixture of handling errors at crucial moments and stubborn Dromore defence kept them at bay. Nevin, Smyth and McErlain all had good runs which ultimately broke down, before Doherty finally broke the impasse, crossing between the posts to secure the bonus point.
With Dromore becoming more frustrated at their inability to trouble the Rainey line, their indiscipline led to their centre being binned and the home side were quick to capitalise. Shaw and Moran released Friel down the left wing and only a superb tackle by his opposite number sent him into touch 5m out, preventing a certain try.
Dogged Dromore defence was the order of the day, as Rainey threw everything at them. McElroy had a great drive held up short, and McErlain caused havoc with another of his trademark rumbles, before Smyth broke left and Evans fed Moran to go over in the corner. With Dromore having a third player binned for an illegal tackle, Rainey threatened to add another, but it was Dromore who almost had a consolation try before the ref called time on proceedings.
Team: J.McIntosh, D.O’Neill, D.McErlain, D.McElroy, A.Doherty, M.Millar, B, Hall, N.Hastings, H.Evans, R.Kearns, M.Mulholland, G.Hall, E.Shaw, C.Moran, J.Hastings
Replacements: A.Nevin, C.Smyth, M.Friel