Rainey well beaten on Limerick trip

Rainey Old Boys 10

A depleted Rainey Old Boys squad was never really at the meeting when Thomond beat them 39-10 at Liam Fitzgerald Park.

The north city club has enjoyed a very good season after gaining promotion last year and occupy sixth place on points difference.

Thomond used the wind in the first half to quickly build up an early lead and later added a penalty to turn around 13-0 in front.

Rainey could not get back into it as the Munster men continued to run the show.

Promising flanker Eunan Shaw crossed to open Rainey’s account with prop Stephen Rutledge snapping up another when Thomond had two men in the sin-bin.

Rainey have two games left to play in the Ulster Bank League- Dungannon at home on March 28th and Nenagh away on April 11th.

They still have to play Ballymena, Malone and Belfast Harlequins in the Ulster Senior Championship.

This Saturday’s Ulster League game between the Rainey OB 1st XV and Ballymena 1st XV is at home with a 12.30pm kick-off to allow everyone the chance to watch the Wales v Ireland game in the clubhouse afterwards.

Rainey OB IIIs 19

Omagh IIIs 17

After losing at Omagh in September, Rainey OB 3rds can take some satisfaction from their 19-17 home win over Omagh 3rds.

In a game in which both sides failed to make maximum use of a significant wind, the standard of rugby was poor and the decision making strange on many occasions.

There was little to choose between the sides and the outcome was in doubt right up until the final whistle.

Full-back Mc Allister gave Rainey an early boost with a penalty into the wind, but a spell of pressure brought Omagh level.The Accies moved 10-3 ahead when Rainey were caught out with too many front five forwards trying to defend their right.

Rainey then dictated for a spell and a strong run from centre McNamee was well supported, leaving No. 8 Patterson to touch down behind the posts. The conversion was missed.

Omagh scored their second try late in the half to lead 17-10 at the break.Though their passing at times was inaccurate, Rainey had some strong runners behind the scrum, but better use could have been made of them and the ball should have been hoofed down the middle more often.

Centre Donnelly nipped through for a badly needed score, but the kick was again missed.

It was Omagh’s turn to pose the questions with Rainey relieved to be awarded a welcome penalty.

A series of forward drives earned Rainey a penalty just to the left of the posts, but the chance was not taken.But two minutes later, another decision went their way and McAllister goaled from close range.

The Palace Grounds, Armagh was the venue for the Section play-off between Carrickfergus and Rainey OB at Under 18 level.

Rainey were 32-17 winners and go into the hat for the League Cup semi-final draw. The cup competition gets under way soon.