Towns' Cup 7th January 2017
Scorers: McCusker(1*Try), L Quinn(1*Try), O Quinn(1*Try), Wilson(1*try), Donaghy(1*Try), Hastings(1*Try), Henry(1*Try), McLean(7*Conv)
With Kukri Ulster Championship Division 1 sides handed a bye at the opening stage of the Towns' Cup, Rainey Old Boys II were not displeased when the draw paired them with Division 2 strugglers Donaghadee. Many of the Rainey side have sampled rugby at a much higher level at some stage this season and, despite having to travel to Donaldson Park, were confident of winning. And after dominating most of the game which was blown up five minutes early by referee Glenda Mellon, they ran out 49-11 winners.
Though conceding height and weight up front, the forwards did the basics well to set up a stream of quality possession for a pacy backline to enjoy a field day. They were on the scoreboard within three minutes. From a lineout in the right corner, the ball travelled along the line for Philip McCusker to dot down. Scott McLean split the posts with the conversion and went on to kick everything thereafter from all angles in a marvellous exhibition of place-kicking. They conceded a silly penalty straight from the restart, but bombarded the home line for ten minutes without reward. Dee scored a shock try and added a penalty to find themselves amazingly 8-7 ahead. Rainey's reply was instantaneous. Right-wing Lorcan Quinn followed play acrossfield to be on hand to touch down. Right on half-time, Dee kicked a 40 yard penalty to trail 14-11.
Rainey made a couple of positional switches behind the scrum at the interval which produced dividends in an even more one-sided second half. The front five continued to take them forward with the back row getting to the breakdown quickly to provide quick ball and as the opposition began to run out of steam, McLean at out-half was able to exploit the spaces with his long,accurate passes. Oisin Quinn cruised through a gap in the centre for try number three and when they broke from their own half with support, Stewart presented Wilson with a try. Quick hands in the centre allowed captain Andrew Donaghy to go round behind the posts just as the lights were switched on.
The onslaught was relentless as flanker Neil Hastings grabbed another and second-row Hugh Henry was in the right place to apply the coup de grace when Stewart was stopped just short.