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Nutty Krust Tournament Rainey U18’s v Malone U18’s Wednesday 28th March 2018
The fourth of this season’s games got underway in the Nutty Krust U18 Tournament under the floodlights at a cold but dry Chambers Park when the Rainey U18’s and the Malone U18’s game was played on Wednesday evening. The Rainey U18 team recorded a well contested but comfortable 57-3 victory after a most entertaining game. A sizeable crowd had gathered to watch a fast, skilful game which featured quite a few talented players on both teams. Included in the crowd were representatives of the Ulster Rugby Talent ID Department.
From the kick off Niall Corr, the Rainey second row, took an excellent catch which started a series of quick phases using backs and forwards to progress play into the Malone 22. The Rainey scrum half Cahan Murray saw a gap close to a breakdown and accelerated away for the first try. Ryan Kearns added the extras to get Rainey off to a flying 7-0 start.
Malone responded well and centres Brian McCarthy and Rory Henry gave them some go forward. A penalty allowed out half Matthew Hamilton to push his team into the Rainey final third. Despite some good defensive work from Ciaran McGlone and Aidan Molloy , Malone maintained the pressure with McCarthy and Hamilton prominent until they were rewarded with a 12th minute penalty which the out half goaled. 7-3 to Rainey.
Malone defended manfully for the next 5 minutes deep in their 22 and relieved the waves of attacks by Rory Lynn winning a great breakdown penalty.
Malone went on the attack with some great continuity play involving their back row of Owen Forsythe, Andrew Smyth and Jonathan Carroll. However, a well organised Rainey defence led by Charlie Clarke refused to give and forced a poor kick from Malone. Having regained the ball Rainey put together a series of phases which led to No 8 Aidan Molloy crashing over. Kearns was accurate off the tee to open up a 14-3 lead.
Rainey struck again within 5 minutes off a 5m scrum. An excellent pass from scrum half Murray hit centre Kearns coming fast on a great line to break through for the score which he converted as well.
At 21-3 Rainey were now playing with confidence and pace. Some sharp play and strong running from Charlie Clarke, Ryan Kearns and Jack Leacock created the space for Murray to score his second close to the posts on the half hour. Kearns converted again for a 28-3 lead.
Just before the interval Kearns made a break, after strong carries from Clarke and Leacock, and linked to put Mark Feathers over. Kearns hit a touchline conversion to maintain his 100% strike rate and give Rainey a commanding 35-3 half time score.
The second half began with Malone’s renewed determination evident. They defended staunchly as a team for 5 or 6 minutes before Rainey eventually put winger Cianan McCann into the corner. Another super conversion from Kearns got his team to 42 points.
Malone fought hard but when the ball was turned over Rainey built pressure and scored again. From a rolling maul the ball was released to Feathers and Friel to make ground before Kearns again found a gap to score.
Further Rainey power and pace against a tiring Malone defence saw Kealan Friel go in at the corner. The final score for Kearns hat trick came following Leacock, Friel and Kearns coming onto quick ruck ball using great lines.
A very well drilled and skilful Rainey side won an entertaining game against a gallant and hardworking Malone team.
As usual with the Nutty Krust Tournament the players all received a post-match meal which was sponsored by Jim Hewitt Meats, prepared by the staff in “Scrummies” kitchen and organised by the ever present Sid Rowe. All players, as well as their coaches, then received a Nutty Krust loaf on departure.
Graffin Parke, Ulster Branch President and loyal Rainey RFC member, then presented the impressive Rainey flanker Charlie Clarke with the Nutty Krust “Man of the Match Award” at the post match ceremony.
The first of the Nutty Krust Tournament 2018 semi-final games will take place on Tuesday 10thth April under the Chambers Park floodlights when Lisburn RFC U18’s will play Ballynahinch RFC U18’s at 7-45pm. The second of the Nutty Krust Tournament 2018 semi-final games will take place on Wednesday 11th April when the Armagh U18 team will play the Rainey U18 team at 7-45pm. All supporters will be made to feel very welcome at these games and, of course, the Nutty Krust final on Wednesday 25th April.
