RANDALSTOWN U16 0 – 39 RAINEY U16
Ulster North League 27th September 2025
Loughran(2*Try) McMahon(1*Try) Short(1*Try) McIvor(1*Try) Douthart(1*Try, 1*Pen, 3*Conv)
Rainey U16s kicked off their Ulster North League campaign in emphatic fashion with a commanding 39–0 victory over Randalstown at a rain-soaked Neillsbrook Park. Despite atrocious conditions and a nervy start, the visitors produced a performance full of grit, flair, and ruthless execution to kick-off the season.
The match began with Rainey knocking on from the kick-off, but their defensive response was immediate and aggressive. Back-row trio L O’Connor, H Davison, and A Murray led the charge, disrupting Randalstown’s attacking shape and forcing errors with relentless tackling.
Rainey’s midfield pairing of S Loughran and D Burns began to carve open space with powerful running, supported by the pace of wingers S McMahon and A Rahman. Fullback C Short added menace from deep with sniping runs, while halfbacks D McIvor and T Douthart orchestrated play with slick distribution and clever decision-making.
The breakthrough came after a turnover in Rainey’s half. Douthart spotted space behind the defence and launched a pinpoint kick. As Randalstown scrambled, Short applied pressure, forcing a fumble. Loughran pounced, gathering cleanly and cruising in under the posts. Douthart added the extras for a 7–0 lead.
The remainder of the half saw both sides battle for territory, but Rainey’s discipline and structure kept them ahead at the break.
The second half was a showcase of Rainey’s attacking depth. Loughran grabbed his second try with a powerful finish in the corner, followed by a penalty from Douthart to extend the lead to 15–0. Randalstown rallied and camped on Rainey’s line, but the visitors held firm, eventually winning a goal-line dropout.
From defence to attack, Rainey turned the screw. A sweeping move through the hands found McMahon in space, and the winger backed himself to score in the corner. With the home side’s resolve fading, Rainey capitalised on every error.
Fullback Short added a brilliant solo effort with a chip-and-chase try, before Douthart—stepping in at scrumhalf—spotted a gap at the ruck, darted through, and sidestepped the fullback to score. McIvor then capped the day with a weaving run and a slick one-two with Douthart to score under the posts. Two of the final three tries were converted by Douthart, sealing a dominant 39–0 win.
It was a complete team performance from Rainey, with standout contributions across the park—from the tireless work of locks M Cunningham and A McKeown at the breakdown to the clinical finishing of the backline. A new-look side, full of energy and cohesion, Rainey U16s have laid down a marker for the season ahead.
