UBL 11th March 2017
Scorers: McMurray(1*Try), Martin(1*Pen), McLean(1*Pen)
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.
A missed touch kick led to an early penalty which handed Seapoint the lead. Rainey then lost loose-head Donaghy with an ankle injury after only eight minutes, but, after going to the corner with a penalty, they applied enough pressure to earn another penalty which out-half Martin kicked. Rainey then had to absorb pressure for a spell until they cleared their lines from a good scrum. Rainey established a promising attacking position on the half hour, but were unable to take advantage and then had second-row Ronan McCusker yellow carded for a very minor offence. Seapoint took advantage to run in a try just before the break to turn round 8-3 up.
The third quarter saw Rainey at their best, but, following an Andrew break, wing Philip McCusker had a try disallowed when Nevin's pass was deemed to have drifted forward. Seapoint's finishing was more clinical and they took their next chance to move further in front. Rainey kept in touch with a McLean penalty, but Seapoint struck a telling blow on the hour mark with a fine try. Going into the last ten minutes, No8 Barker led a series of charges from a lineout with centre Damien McMurray coming in to break two tackles and claim a good try.
TEAM : R.Andrew, P.McCusker, D.McMurray, J.Burgess, J.McMurray, G.Martin, M.Wilson, K.Donaghy, M.Caithness, F.Quinn, R.McCusker, J.McCusker, B.Mullan, D.Corrigan, T.Barker
REPLACEMENTS : M.McCusker, S.McLean, M.Nevin, J.McIntosh.