After a lapse of five years, Rainey are again able to field four sides and they celebrated  their return to action with an encouraging 31-14 victory over Ballymena V in the Regional North League at Hatrick Park.  Captain Gareth Bryson and his cohorts worked hard during the off season to coax a few experienced blasts from the past out of retirement and snap up a host of new recruits who will, no doubt, benefit form playing with them.

 

While Ballymena had a seasoned outfit, they never performed as a unit as Rainey, on their first outing, gelled surprisingly well, scoring three first half tries to lead 21-0 at the break.

Evergreen hooker Michael Lee set them on their way with a rare try.  The backs and forwards combined to drive the visitors back and when the ball popped out from a ruck, the eagle-eyed Lee swooped to shimmy past the last line of defence with a dazzling cameo of footwork.  Centre Paddy Kidd and wing Aaron Bradley added further tries, all converted by flanker Ryan McGuckin.

 

Wirh Rodney Paul orchestrating the show, Rainey never looked in trouble despite conceding two tries and wing Richard Murray crossed with McGuckin converting and adding a further late penalty.