RAINEY III 50 – 7 DONEGAL TOWN
Provincial North Phase -1
McCullagh(1*Try) Molloy (1*Try) S McOscar (1*Try, 5*Conv) S Bentley (2*Try) Nugent (1*Try) Mac Fhirleann (1*Try)
Rainey III kicked off their home campaign in style with a commanding 50–7 victory over Donegal Town at Hatrick Park. In a match that blended youthful energy with seasoned leadership, the hosts delivered an entertaining and clinical performance that showcased the depth of their squad.
With a strong wind at their backs in the first half, Rainey made full use of the conditions, pinning Donegal deep in their own territory. Both sides held firm in the scrum throughout, but it was Rainey’s aggressive breakdown work and sharp backline execution that set the tone early.
Despite a setback with the early departure of returning prop Robbie Oliver due to injury, Rainey’s young guns stepped up. Locks Thomas McGoldrick and Shea Boyle were immense in the engine room, with Boyle earning a well-deserved man of the match award on his senior debut—carrying relentlessly and hitting hard from start to finish.
Backrower Matty McCullagh was his usual tireless self, leading the charge with a powerful try, while fellow flanker Aidan Molloy added another with a storming run. The backline came alive through centre Emmett Convery, whose footwork and vision at 13 were a joy to watch. Wingers Callum Nugent and Caolan Mac Fhirleann both crossed the whitewash with pace and precision, stretching Donegal’s defence wide.
Halfback duo Sean McOscar and Sean Bentley each grabbed a try of their own, with McOscar also impressing from the tee—converting five of the eight tries to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Fullback Fintan Quinn, the elder statesman of the side, provided calm leadership and positional awareness, guiding the younger players through the phases and ensuring Rainey maintained their shape.
Donegal, to their credit, never threw in the towel and were rewarded with a late consolation try, but the day belonged to Rainey’s vibrant mix of youth and experience.
With a tough preseason clearly paying dividends, Rainey 3s look well-prepared for the season ahead.
