Friendly
Try Scorers: M. McCusker (2), S. Sufferin, N. Burns, J. Wright
Conversions: R. Kearns (3), S. McLean (2)
Rainey opened their preseason with a convincing 35–19 victory over Coleraine last Thursday. Under the new coaching ticket of Graeme Eastwood and Ryan Hughes, the hosts fielded a hybrid squad of 1st and 2nd XV players, featuring key returnees and new signings.
The hosts dominated the opening quarter. Captain and hooker Sam Sufferin, looking sharp after a dedicated CrossFit offseason, opened the scoring from a clinical catch-and-drive lineout. Soon after, a powerful five-meter scrum penalty allowed No. 8 Michael McCusker to pick from the base and barge over. Out-half Ryan Kearns converted both for a 14–0 lead.
Coleraine hit back with an unconverted try in the second quarter. Rainey responded immediately when debutant inside centre Nathan Burns intercepted a pass mid-attack to race away for a converted try, pushing the score to 21–5.
Following a scoreless, heavily rotated third quarter, Rainey extended their lead in the final period. Quick ball initiated by lock Bolton’s lineout steal setup a sweeping team move, finished by new scrum-half James Wright, who dummied and nipped through a gap. McCusker then sealed his brace, peeling off another dominant rolling maul. S McLean stepped up to convert both late scores.
Coleraine fought back with two converted tries of their own in the closing stages, but Rainey’s early dominance secured the win. Aside from the point scorers, Rainey saw standout carrying performances from Lee Montgomery, Matty Miller, prop Deaglan Mac Fhirleann, and school-leaver Lorcan McLarnon in a promising start to the season
