2nd XV Match Reports
GROSVENOR II 12 - 59 RAINEY II
Provincial League Div 1 12th October 2019
Scorers: McElain(1*Try), N.Hastings(2*Try), McIntosh(1*Try), J.Hastings(1*Try), B.Hall(2*Try), Shaw(2*Try), Kearns(7*Conv)
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In a top-of-the-table clash at Orangefield, Rainey II demolished Grosvenor II 12-59, scoring nine tries to open up a six point lead in Provincial 1. The home side simply couldn’t cope with the visitors’ forward power up front as Rainey chalked up their fifth bonus point win of the season.
RAINEY II 52 - 0 BALLYCLARE II
Provincial League Div 1 5th October 2019
Scorers: Shaw(3*Try), Smyth(2*Try), McErlain(1*Try), Doherty(1*Try), B.Hall(1*Try), Kearns(6*Conv)
In atrocious conditions, No8 Eunan Shaw scored a hat-trick as Rainey OB II ran rampant against a useful Ballyclare II to maintain their 100% record in Provincial 1. With all eight tries coming from the forwards, six from the back-row alone, the backs were left to play second fiddle on a occasion when 8-man rugby was the order of the day.
Rainey next travel to Orangefield on Saturday for a top of the table clash against perennial rivals Grosvenor II. Like Rainey, Grosvenor are unbeaten in the league, but dropped a bonus point opportunity away to Dungannon at the weekend.
RAINEY II 26 - 5 DUNGANNON II
Scorers: Devlin(1*Try), McErlain(1*Try), McKenna(1*Try), G.Hall(1*Try), Kearns(3*Conv)
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Rainey II played some fantastic free-flowing rugby as they eased to a 26-5 bonus point win over Dungannon II at Hatrick Park, an unanswered four-try onslaught in the first half seeing them home. Although events conspired to keep them from adding to their total in the second-half, there was never any doubt as to how the match would finish.
BALLYNAHINCH IV 10 - 59 RAINEY II
Provincial 1 14th September 2019
Scorers: Hastings(2*Try), Harbinson(2*Try), Quinn(2*Try), Miller(1*Try), Nevin(1*Try), Hall(1*Try), Kearns(7*conv)
Rainey II travelled to the Mountview Road grounds for their second league match of the season against Ballynahinch IV. Based on the same fixture last season, they were expecting a tight, hard-fought affair, but in the end they ran out easy 10-59 winners to sit comfortably atop Provincial 1 with a full complement of points.
DROMORE II 8 - 39 RAINEY II
Provincial League Div 1 7th September 2019
Scorers: McSwiggan(2*Try), Moran(1*Try), Rutledge(1*Try), Donaghy(1*Try), Harbinson(1*Try), Lloyd-Evans(2*Conv, 1*Pen), Evans(1*Conv)
For the second time in a fortnight, Dromore and Rainey’s second strings faced off against each other in the league opener at Barban Hill. Unlike the previous occasion, when Rainey were understrength and points were not at stake, there was a very different outcome as Rainey ran out easy 8-39 winners. It was by no means a flawless performance by the young side and their discipline must improve significantly if they are to be serious challengers for league honours.
RAINEY II 31- 29 DROMORE II
Friendly 24th August 2019
Scorers: G.Hall(2*Try), Kearns(1*Try, 3*Conv), Devlin(1*Try), McErlain(1*Try)
Photos
In glorious sunshine, Rainey II battled their way to a 31-29 victory over their Dromore counterparts at Hatrick Park last Saturday in a pre-season friendly. With much to be improved upon, especially in their defensive structure, they showed great flair in attack, crossing their opponents’ line on five occasions.
Although they started strongly, Rainey were soon under pressure, until a break by flanker B.Hall carried play to the Dromore 22’. The ball was recycled quickly and two phases later, the defence was carved open by out-half G.Hall to cross for the first of his two tries on the day.