Rainey Old Boys RFC Notes: I XV 44 v Ulster J Clubs I XV 22

RAINEY 44 – 22 Junior Ulster
Friendly 4th April 2012
Scorers: Campbell(4*Try), Wilson(1*Try), Hall(1*Try), Lamberton(1*Try), McMurray(1*Try), (2*Conv)

Rainey Old Boys were honoured to host a Junior Ulster XV on the Wednesday evening before Easter, and while twelve tries may have been scored, this was never an exhibition match. There was a competitive edge to it, both sides fielding players who were keen to show what they could do. Rainey won 44-22, scoring eight of the twelve tries, but the Juniors had their moments and stuck at it to strike twice in the closing minutes.
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This was one of a series of warm-up fixtures for the Juniors squad for the forthcoming Interpros and Rainey had a few guest players on view who all made a favourable impression. Ballymena’s South African centre Richard Ainsworth looked a class act, while Limavady schoolboys Aaron Rainey, Robert Lamberton and Stewart Hull slotted in comfortably at this level, while versatile Cooke captain Jody McMurray operated on the flank on his return to his old stomping ground. All these players could feature in Rainey colours next season.

An appreciative holiday crowd was treated to a very entertaining display of open rugby, with both sides intent on playing an expansive game on a firm, dry surface. In a whirlwind start, six tries were scored in the first 25 minutes, five of them by Rainey. Wing Campbell finished off four of them, with full-back Wilson coming in to add the other one. Play was of the highest standard, even when the intensity understandably dropped a little in the second quarter. Rainey led 27-5 at the break.

The Juniors piled forward on the resumption, but the Old Boys defended well and broke upfield to create a superb try for lock Hall. The visitors replied with a well-taken try, but scores from Lamberton and McMurray took Rainey well clear.