Ulster Rugby Senior Shield
Try Scorers:- L McLarnon (*1) A Brown (*1) Conversions :- R Kearns(*1)
Malone proved too strong for a resilient Rainey side on Saturday, securing a 22-12 victory in the second round of the Ulster Rugby Senior Shield. Despite a battling performance from the visitors, the Belfast outfit capitalised on their heavyweight pack and clinical finishing to seal the win at Gibson Park.
Rainey travelled up the M2 with a much-changed backline from the side that edged out Enniskillen 47-43 the previous week. Gareth Hall and Damien McMurray paired up in the centre, while out-half Ryan Kearns stepped up for a well-deserved run at Firsts level. In the pack, veteran hooker Sam Sufferin returned to the starting lineup. The bench featured two notable faces: last season’s RES 1XV captain Luke Caskey made his club debut at this level, while former club captain Johnny Lees made a welcome return to action, showcasing his power in the back row.
Rainey opened with high intent after a Malone knock-on from the kick-off. Following a penalty kicked to the corner, Rainey spread the ball wide to winger Lorcan McLarnon, who crossed the line for his third club try. The conversion was missed.
Malone responded after some relentless pressure, their fly-half slicing through the Rainey defence, drawing the final defender to pass back inside for a converted try.
Rainey scrum-half James Wright produced a stunning line-break from deep to defuse a dangerous Malone chip-and-chase. However, after Rainey conceded a penalty for a high tackle inside their own half, Malone executed a clinical lineout drive. They worked the phases one way before reversing direction to catch the Rainey defence napping out wide for an unconverted try.
Malone extended their lead early in the second half. Using their heavyweight pack to full advantage, they earned a penalty try from a dominant pushover scrum.
Rainey spent a sustained period inside the Malone 22 but failed to capitalise. Malone cleared their lines and subsequently slotted a penalty to extend their lead.
After being held up over the line and frustrated by multiple handling errors, Rainey’s late pressure finally told. Replacement centre Andrew Brown cantered over for a late consolation score, which was cleanly converted by Kearns before the final whistle.
Standout performances in the pack came from Sam Sufferin, who stood out with powerful carries and work rate at the breakdown. Johnny Lees made an impact with strong carries and a crucial midfield jackal turnover, while debutant Luke Caskey excelled against a much heavier Malone pack. In the Backs, Damien McMurray marshalled the midfield well with strong defensive organisation. James Wright caught the eye with his jinking runs, and Ryan Kearns looked entirely at home at this level, putting in a performance that will provide healthy competition for the number 10 shirt.
Rainey’s next match is away to Ballyclare in the final round of the Senior Shield on 12th September, KO 2:30pm.
Rainey II and III will entertain Letterkenny and Clogher Valley respectively at Hatrick Park, KO also at 2:30pm.
