Town’s Cup 1^st February 2020

Scorers: Kearns(1*Try), N.Hastings(1*Try), Mulholland(1*Try), Evans(1*Conv)

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Rainey II’s short run in the Towns Cup came to an abrupt halt on Saturday, when they were defeated 24 – 17 by a strong Omagh II team.  In a bruising encounter, easily the most physical of the season so far, the main difference between the two sides was in the battle up front.  The bigger, heavier pack of the Tyrone side  gained an early advantage in the scrums and despite their best efforts, the Rainey forwards spent a torrid afternoon trying defiantly to hold them at bay.

Provincial 1 8^th February 2020

Scorers: G.Hall(3*Try), Nevin(1*Try), N.Hastings(2*Try), J.Hastings(1*Try), Friel(1*Try), Donaghy(1*Try), Evans(9*Conv)

With the threat of Storm Ciara fast approaching, Rainey II travelled to The Cloughan to face Ballyclare II in the league last Saturday.  In a display of scintillating rugby, they blew up a storm of their own, scoring nine converted tries in a 7-63 victory.  With two thirds of the league programme completed, they have a healthy seven-point lead over the chasing pack, with two games in hand. 

River Rock Towns Cup 11th January 2020

Scorers: G.Hall(1*Try), M.Nevin(1*Try), R.Kearns(1*Pen, 2*Conv), (2*Pen Try)

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With steady rain and a brisk wind blowing across the pitch, spectators gathered at Sandel Lodge for the first round of the River Rock Towns' Cup  between Coleraine and Rainey could have been expecting a dour display of "up-the-jumper" rugby.  If so, they were to be pleasantly surprised.  Both teams largely belied the conditions, serving up an entertaining thriller.  The result was in doubt until well into the final quarter, with Rainey emerging eventual victors on a 16-31 scoreline.

Provincial League Division 1 21st December 2019

Scorers: Mulholland(1*Try), McErlain(1*Try), Scullion(1*Try), Hastings(3*Try), Kearns(2*Conv)

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In dull, damp conditions, Rainey II defeated Carrickfergus II 34 – 0 to continue their ascendancy atop Provincial League Division 1.  Although there was much about their performance to question, in the end they delivered the goods to run in six tries and register an emphatic victory.  They started and finished the match strongly, but for long periods of the first half they were a pale initiation of the team they have been all season.

Belying the muddy conditions underfoot Rainey started brightly, with Kearns sending Mulholland in at the corner after good work by the forwards. Five minutes later, McErlain barged over from short range through what appeared to be half of the Carrick pack, and when Kearns added the extras, Rainey seemed to be on their way to a comfortable win.

Provincial League 1 7th December 2019

Scorers: O’Neill(1*Try), Devlin(2*Try), Friel(1*Try), Kearns(3*Conv)

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For the second successive match, Rainey II got off to the worst possible start, conceding a try to Ballynahinch III after only three minutes.  In the event, it proved to be a minor blip as they went on to register yet another bonus point win, running out 26-7 ahead in this Provincial Division 1 top of the table encounter, opening up a twelve point lead in the process.  With a trip to Carrickfergus still to negotiate in two weeks’ time, they should be looking to maintain their lead over the Christmas break.

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)

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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.