The sun shone at Hamilton Park where Ards and Rainey Old Boys both included several fringe players in their line-up for their First Trust Ulster League game.It was in the final quarter that Rainey’s greater all-round quality really told,their improved accuracy enabling them to run in five of their eight tries,five of which were converted.
Ards started well,but seldom reached the Rainey 22′ thereafter.Hooker Mc Dowell opened Rainey’s account after eight minutes when Sciascia,Campbell and Stewart linked to turn defence into attack.They stretched their lead when centre Mc Murray made a midfield break to send Montgomery through.Rainey out-half Martin then found a gap and chipped ahead with flanker Dysart appearing to have won the race for the touchdown,but the referee was not convinced that the ball had been grounded properly.Right on half-time,Rainey’s scrummage dominance allowed flanker Harbinson to swoop for a score which gave them a 17-0 lead.
After an error-strewn third quarter,Rainey struck three times in five minutes through locks Stewart and Boyle and wing Campbell.Late tries came from back-row men Dawson and Hawe as Ards were made pay for turning over too much ball in their own half.
RESULTS – Sat. 17 March
ARDS 0 – 50 RAINEY O.B.
2nd XV League ARDS 2 11 – 31 RAINEY O.B. 2
MINOR : SOUTH RAINEY O.B. 4 w/o ARMAGH 4
