RAINEY 19 – 22 SLIGO
AIL 2B 11 October 2025
O’Neill(1*Try) McLean(4*Pen, 1*Conv)
Rainey and Sligo have forged a reputation for nail-biting encounters in recent seasons, and Saturday’s clash at Hatrick Park was no exception. In a match defined by momentum swings, fierce breakdown battles, and late drama, it was Sligo who emerged victorious, edging Rainey 22–19 in a pulsating AIL showdown.
The visitors struck first, capitalising on early pressure and loose tackling to cross in the corner. Though the conversion drifted wide, Sligo had laid down a marker. Rainey responded through the boot of out-half McLean, who slotted a well-struck penalty to narrow the gap.
With both sides trading penalties and territory, Rainey began to build forward momentum. But handling errors and forced offloads repeatedly stalled their progress. A deliberate knock-on saw Sligo reduced to 14, offering Rainey a golden opportunity. Instead, the home side mirrored the offence and were reduced themselves—allowing Sligo to strike again with a second try in the corner. McLean added another penalty before the break, but Sligo held a 9-15 lead at halftime.
Rainey roared into the second half, led by a thunderous carry from No.8 Murray. Yet again, errors crept in, and they had to settle for a fourth penalty from McLean. A five-metre lineout looked promising, and they managed to cross the line, but the ref deemed the ball held-up. Then came a cruel twist: attacking from halfway, Rainey lost control at the ruck, and Sligo hacked the ball downfield. Despite desperate cover, a second kick across the line saw the visitors claim their third try, stretching the lead to 22–12.
Rainey’s scrum dominance began to tell, earning a penalty that brought them within striking distance. This time, the maul was unstoppable—hooker O’Neill crashing over for a vital score. McLean’s conversion made it a three-point game and set up a tense final ten minutes.
Backrow Montgomery’s catch-and-drive and McMurray’s powerful carries gave the home crowd hope, but unforced errors again proved costly. In the dying moments, Rainey won a penalty that could have set up a final maul attack—only for the decision to be reversed. With the clock in the red, a wide kick sparked one last counter, but Sligo held firm.
Rainey had to settle for a losing bonus point, their effort undeniable but their execution well short. They now turn their attention to a trip to Annacotty, Limerick, in two weeks time, where they’ll face UL Bohemians in another crucial AIL fixture.
