RAINEY REMAIN UNBEATEN
Having already captured the Division 2 B title,it was no surprise that Rainey Old Boys failed to turn it on against relegation-threatened Clonakilty at Hatrick Park.They rarely got out of first gear,but did enough in the third quarter to put the issue beyond doubt.As the weather deteriorated,most of the spectators had moved indoors long before the end, missing a late Clonakilty consolation try.Five tries in a 33-17 victory took Rainey’s tally to 59,scoring 456 altogether with only 167 against. Click Here for the shots – note the images are fully copyrighted by professional digital photographer Charles Henderson
Barnhall held on to second place despite losing 29-6 at Nenagh.Naas,who hammered Instonians 55-0,finished level on points with Barnhall,but have to settle for the play-off spot.Clonakilty now entertain fellow Munstermen Richmond in the play-off game.Richmond beat visitors Portadown 15-5 in their third round robin game.
Rainey committed a succession of unforced errors in a low key first half,starting with allowing the kick-off to roll into touch near the corner.After five minutes a midfield mistake from the visitors gifted possession to Rainey who made the most of it with scrum-half Simpson going in for a try which O’Connor converted.Clonakilty were soon on terms as Rainey struggled to control lineout ball when put into good field positions and conceded penalty after penalty.Clonakilty hit an upright as lapses in concentration prevented Rainey from getting started and a yellow card for Barker added to their problems.Too many of the Rainey pack were going through the motions as Clonakilty moved 10-7 ahead and dominated territorially.On half-time,Clonakilty failed to deal with a high kick from Martin on halfway.Rainey flanker Burns seized the loose ball to create a half chance,but there was no support outside him.It was that sort of game.
Simpson sparked off a flurry of scoring two minutes after the break when he started and finished off a move involving Mc Murray and Campbell down the right wing.O’Connor converted.Simpson,easily Rainey’s most influential player on the day,made a great break with the forwards patiently going through the phases before Campbell joined in to dot down in the left corner,O’Connor converting with a great kick.
As the rain came in,long-serving second-row Peter Boyle marked possibly his last game for the club with a try from a catch and drive.The best try of the day came after 65 minutes when Simpson burst clear of his 22′ for O’Kane and then Mc Gowan to stride away down the wing.Barker arrived in support to brush off a challenge and run in from 40 yards for his first try for the club.O’Connor landed another excellent conversion.Rainey then switched off as the rain became heavier and the terraces emptied.
