U12 XV Photo Archive & Match Reports

Season 2007-2008

Friday 4th April 2008

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Saturday 16th February 2008

Match report, Rainey U12XV v Wallace High School U12XV

In perfect conditions for rugby, the U12’s turned out for their second 15-a-side fixture, against Wallace, on the back of a strong performance against Cookstown High School on the previous Monday.

The first half was an evenly contested affair, with both sides competing in the breakdown and tackling securely. The half time score of 0-0 was a just reflection of the closeness of the teams in terms of ability and endeavour.

Early in the second half, Wallace scored with a break-away run from well inside their own half, down their right wing, with the try going unconverted. This galvanised Rainey, and the rest of the game was played in the Wallace half. The forwards kept Wallace on the back foot, with some good counter-rucking resulting in turnover ball. The half backs connected well and went on some enterprising sniping runs, and the other backs kept their opposite numbers under pressure when Wallace tried to break out of their own 22. In terms of pressure, possession and territory, it was all Rainey in the second half. A move from a tap penalty almost resulted in a breakthrough by Rainey on the left wing, but unfortunately, a pass went slightly forward during the play. In a game of little space, there were few opportunities to get the ball out wide, and stout Wallace tackling held back the repeated waves of Rainey attacks. The Wallace defence held out to the final whistle, and the Wallace boys must have been relieved to have denied Rainey the score that their pressure and effort deserved.

FINAL SCORE: Rainey 0 – Wallace 5

But such is sport, lads. You can leave the pitch with your heads held high. It was a great team effort, and you are still learning the 15-a-side game. The important thing is to take something new from each game at this stage, and apply it in the next.

I had decided at the beginning of this report that I wouldn’t single any individual players out for specific mention. However, I think that it is fair to say that the Wallace inside centre probably now thinks that every pass he gets from his out-half comes with D McClelland attached, and congratulations to K Lynch for going a whole game without needing medical attention. …….and I suppose I have to also give the white boots a mention.

R.Roving (‘guest’ match reporter………. normal service will be resumed next week?)

Friday 1st February 2008

Carrick 15 Rainey U12 Gladiators 15
Half Time
Carrick – 15 Gladiators – 0

A very flat first half performance soon turned into an exhilarating second half display of power, pace, skill, intensity and an overwhelming sense of “ we will not be beaten”.
Straight from the pass off Carrick hit their main runner, a power house Number 8 who was quickly knocked to the floor, which set the tone for what was about to unfold. Forwards quick to the break down, in numbers and driving a very physical Carrick side backwards which laid a very solid foundation for the back line to attack, and attack they did!! David ‘Chabal’ McClelland showed us once again his power and pace, breaking through three tackles and running two thirds of the length of the pitch to start an amazing comeback. Once again Carrick turned to their ‘Mean Machine’ to try and power his way to the line only to be hit from all sides, ball turned over and Rainey were back in the Carrick half where they spent the rest of the second half. Kieran Lynch showed his silky skills with a lovely dummy on the half way and outpaced the Carrick defenders for an excellent individual try. With Rainey forwards seemingly unstoppable they started to maul their way up the pitch gaining a lot of ground. Carrick’s only attack of the half was stopped by an excellent covering tackle from Cameron Noble who improves with every game. The pressure started to tell on Carrick with indiscipline creeping into their game allowing Rainey total control of the ball.
With Rainey back on the attack, excellent support play lead to the equalising score with the elusive running style of Stephen McAuley proving too much for the Carrick defence. A team performance, man of the match performances from 1 to 12, unlucky not to come away with the win but a determination not to be beaten will hold the boys in great stead for the games ahead.
Undoubtedly the performance of the season, an amazing match to be part off and very proud of the young men who took part in it.
With the Titans once again showing they have the ability and skills to compete with anyone they come up against, a healthy competition for places has developed within the squad.
I would like to thank Dr L Peggs and Mr E Murphy for their guidance, support and expertise, in helping the boys play the standard of rugby which they are achieving.
FINAL SCORE
Carrick 15 – Rainey U12 Gladiators 15

Scorers      D McClelland
                  K Lynch
                  S McAuley

Gladiators: J Stewart, T Andrews, R M-Sanderson (c), M McCready, S McAuley, C Murphy, C Noble, K Lynch, D McClelland, G Pollock, M Kavanagh, S Kelso.

R Henderson 01/02/08

RAINEY U12 TITANS – 20 - CARRICK – 15

We arrived at Carrick and although the Sun was shining brightly the wind chill resulted in low temperatures on what proved to be a soft and heavy pitch. The aforementioned wind was blowing along the length of what was a daunting almost full size playing surface. Rainey Titans lined up for their second 12-a-side fixture with the wind at their backs. The boys made a superb start as out-half Oisin Connery broke three Carrick tackles to race away for a quick fire try. It was the combination play between Alan Stockman, Luke McAllister and Oisin which proved to be the platform from which Rainey drove forward to secure another win.

In another foray into Carrick territory Rainey were awarded a scrum 10 yards from the Carrick line. The quick thinking Luke McAllister capitalised on a blind-side gap to lift the ball from the base of the scrum to nip in for the Titans second try. Half-time score: Titans – 10 – Carrick - 0

Straight from the restart Oisin went on another lung-busting run and although hauled down he had the presence of mind to pop to Alan Stockman. Rainey’s number eight, who had a fantastic match, sprinted on to score his first and the Titans third score. In an almost identical move Alan again supporting superbly took another pop ball to leave the score 20 - 0. Alan played a dynamic match featuring robust low body position rucking and tackling with forceful shoulder contact complemented by strong arms wrapped around his targets legs. Alan’s support running was also intelligent and well-timed.

At this point the Titans began to run out of steam, partly relaxed their efforts and to some extent were victims of some tough decisions. As such Carrick came back into the game to score three unanswered tries, one in particular featured an impressive flowing back line move. The Rainey Titans did, however, hold on for a well deserved victory. Congratulations young men I will see you at training on Monday.

Rainey Titans squad: S Lennox, S Duncan, P Ferson, B Weir, M Fulton, A Stockman, D Holmes, S McCalmont, L McAllister (c), O Connery, L Stewart, P Wilson, S Gallagher, D O’Kane, T Hamilton, A McLean

Final Score – 20 – 15 win

Scorers
Tries - O. Connery (1)
L. McAllister (1)
A. Stockman (2)

The All Blacks were playing England, and after the half-time whistle blew they found themselves ahead 50-0, Jonah Lomu getting eight tries. The rest of the team decided to put their feet up in the changing room instead of playing the second half, leaving Jonah to go out on his own. "No worries," Jonah told them, "I'll join you later and tell you what happened." After the game Jonah headed for the changing room where he told his team mates the final score - 95-3. "What!!!!," said a furious Michael Jones. "How did you let them get three points??!" Jonah replied apologetically: "I was sent off with 20 minutes to go."


L Peggs (1/2/2008)

Saturday 15th December

RAINEY U12 ’A’s – 0  - SULLIVAN ’A’s – 40

The Rainey U12’s came up against a strong, well drilled and organised Sullivan Upper opposition this morning. Rainey were on the back foot within the first few minutes, with too many missed tackles allowing Sullivan to cross the line early in the match.  Rainey struggled to come to terms with a team which have trained/played together for sometime now.  We defended with great heart and commitment to hold Sullivan to 10 points in the first half.

Half time 10 - 0.

The boys rallied together during the half time interval and came out in the second half showing the potential that they have, getting to the break down clearing out as a unit only for a ‘street wise’ Sullivan to thwart the early dominance Rainey had.  Two quick break away tries allowed Sullivan to edge ahead.  Rainey showed great character and resolve under pressure to defend their line and frustrate Sullivan with controlled aggression and a strong line of defence. 

Final score 40 - 0.

As a coach I would like to commend the boys on the strength of character they showed this morning, for ones so young they showed a lot of maturity beyond their years, as a team they will grow from this match and develop their skills and ‘know how’ to tackle any opposition they encounter.  Today’s match should not be dwelt upon nor forgotten, with lessons to be learnt and taken into our next match.  At the end of the first term of rugby at the school the boys can be very proud of everything they have achieved in such a short period of time training and playing together.  The future is bright for a squad of enthusiastic and endearing young men.

I would like to thank the parents who took the time to come along and support the teams, I know I have appreciated your support as much as the boys and to Mr E Lynch offering to hold a pad only to feel the power of the U12’s in the warm up being emptied by one of the lads!!

I would like to thank all the U12’s for their hard work during training this year and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

R Henderson.

RAINEY U12 ’B’s – 0  - SULLIVAN ’B’s – 20

In their first 12-a-side fixture the U12’s travelled to Sullivan Upper hoping to maintain their superb start to the season. Conditions were relatively mild and the pitch was in good order. The boys received a inspirational team talk from Mr. Henderson and warmed up for the match with the expected intensity.

In a match in which Rainey held the edge in term of territory and possession it was the greater experience of the Sullivan boys that proved the difference. The mini and maxi setup which feeds into Sullivan was evident, especially in the half-back positions. Although Sullivan’s 9 and 10 had no physical advantage over their Rainey counterparts they did have more know-how in and around the rucks and scrums. As such Rainey, despite their dominance, were subject to four breakaway tries in which Sullivan’s out and scrum half exploited gaps in the Rainey defence.

For Rainey Bobby Weir and Stephen Duncan led from the front with aggression and power. The half-back pairing of Luke McAllister and Oisin Connery carried Rainey's main offensive threat and performed superbly against their more experienced opponents. In defence Dennis O’Kane and Peter Wilson executed several tackles and the game featured a superb run and offload from Sam McCalmont.

Boys, do not be too downhearted about today’s defeat, your encountered more experienced opposition who have clearly played rugby together for several years. You all learned and improved as the game progressed and you represented your school with distinction. With more training and match experience we will plug today’s gaps and convert our territorial dominance into further victories. You are all most fortunate, in that Mr. Henderson, you have an experienced and passionate coach who will do his up most to help you succeed.

After their match the U12’s watched the 1st XV perform superbly against their Sullivan counterparts. The interplay and aggression of the Rainey forwards, especially the back row, was the outstanding feature of the match. A final score of 0-0 did not reflect Rainey's second half performance. Congratulations to Mr Simpson, his team of coaches and most importantly the boys for the giant strides they have taken since September.

Comedy moment of the day is reserved for Mr. E. Lynch who was invited to hold a pad in today’s warm up and was ‘surprised’ by the power of Matthew McCready who erm, let me think, what is the correct expression – emptied him. Tough luck my friend only about 100 people saw the incident.

L Peggs (15/12/2007)

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Saturday 8th December

Further U12 Progress

Call it a vision, call it an ethos call it an approach but from any angle you choose to survey it Rugby within the school is improving. The increased level of non-teaching staff, parental and outside agency involvement has seen the number and expertise of the coaches for ALL teams swell. This is manifesting itself in higher skill levels, appreciation of the game and increasing dedication from all players. I was most privileged this week to be involved in a Medallion Rugby tour to the capital of England (not E). Inclement weather conditions forced the abandonment of the arranged fixture, but a number of other activities were packed into a tour that was superbly orchestrated by Mr. Johnston. The boys’ behaviour throughout the tour was exemplary as they drew gracious praise from people regarding their manners and considerate behaviour. Today, despite a substantial amount of sleep deprivation and a number of missing players, the Medallion drew on McDonalds fuelled reserves to record their third successive victory.

Today on the Desertmartin pitches I was fortunate to see snippets of the U14’s match against Carrick. The boys played with incredible passion and intensity to record their second victory in three outings. Yesterday, whilst travelling to Luton airport, I spoke to Mr Henderson, Mr Murphy and Mr. Simpson regarding the U12’s whitewash of Larne in three 10-A-side matches. All three gentlemen spoke of performances filled with fervour, resolve and skill. No greater compliment can I offer than this; we believe the performances of the U12’s are the equal if not the better of their U13 counterparts from 12 months ago. This is the U12s 5th victory in 5 matches, a superb start to the season marshalled by the master of motivation – Mr. Henderson. Two weeks ago I counted eight coaches at the U12 practice, surely this and the superb rugby being played are not coincidental. With Mr Simpson at the helm and his first choice back row restored surely better times are ahead for the first and second XV’s. I count myself fortunate to know a number of the squad very well and can only marvel at their dedication to the sport (including 7.30am starts at the Gym).

I can assure you that all the Rainey coaching staff take great delight in the success and progress enjoyed by every one of our squads. Coaching at the school is a real team effort because, after all, the maxim is a simple one – its all for the kids.

In line with school developmental policy four U12 players played for the U13’s vs. Carrick. Fresh from yesterday’s U12 match Matthew McCready started today in the second row. This is a player whose performance, 24 hours earlier, in the Larne fixture, was described as unstoppable. Matthew continued where he had left off the previous day with another superb performance featuring power, pace and great handling skills. On countless occasions he drove the Carrick players off the ball and was easily my man of the match. Also brought on in the back row was U12 skipper Rigan, who was restored to the forwards after a stint at out-half against Larne yesterday. Rigan’s performance contained the same attributes of skill and composure he has demonstrated in every performance at U12 and U13 level. Brought on as a replacement at inside centre for Gavin Wray (who scored 5 tries today) was David McClelland. Chabal has quickly grasped the depth required to play at this position and receives the ball at pace, running directly and powerfully at the opposition. It was noticeable today that in contact he cleverly used his power to stay on his feet until support arrived. Making his U13 debut today was U12 hooker Timmy Andrews. Timmy came on as a half-time replacement for Michael Nevin thus experiencing his first contested eight man scrum. Timmy secured all Rainey scrum put in and threw good lineout ball – congratulations.

Next Saturday the U12’s play their first 12-A-side matches away to Sullivan. Given the progress they have made since September the boys’ have every right to enter into this fixture with great confidence. I would actively encourage all parental support for this fixture I realise it is a fair distance to Sullivan but you really do make a difference.

Dr. L. Peggs

Friday 7th December

The U12’s continued their winning ways today, in damp and muddy conditions at Larne Grammar. Straight from the kick off the Rainey pack took control of the game displaying power, aggression and excellent rucking, with Matthew McCready driving two and three opponents out off every ruck he hit. The first score was soon on the score board, the forwards driving up the middle giving the backs excellent possession with a new half back pairing of Cameron Noble and Rigan Morrison Sanderson showing composure and excellent communication to set David ‘Chabal’ McClelland to crash over for the first of his three tries. A Larne knock on led to the second score, from the resulting scrum Rigan worked the blind side to send Gavin Pollock over in the corner. The front three of Johnny Stewart, Timothy Andrews and Sam Hawe worked hard all day, with Timothy throwing Larne forwards out of his way to gain and secure possession for his team. Body positions and power in the rucks ensured the backs had good possession all match to which they executed moves gaining territory on all attacks. The third try has to be put down to Mr GENEROSITY Rigan Morrison-Sanderson who having crossed the line passed to Gavin Pollock to set down! Matthew McCready got the try he deserved for an excellent performance knocking three players out of his way before crossing the line. Rigan did get himself on the score sheet with some excellent support play to keep the pressure on Larne. Cameron Noble made an excellent break from the base of a ruck only for a last ditch tackle to stop him scoring in the corner. Half time score 30 - 0.

The second half started slowly with Rainey taking the foot of the pedal thinking the job was done. This allowed Larne control and possession of the ball to attack the Rainey Line. One target set for todays match was to keep a clean sheet, with pressure on the ball carriers and excellent tackling Rainey withstood the attacks and keep there line in tack. Rainey ‘switched’ back on and took control of the game with Conal Murphy smashing his way through the Larne defence to score an excellent try. Rainey started to show their skills in committing the tackler and getting the pass away but also the off loads in the tackle with support runners calling for the ball created space for Conal Murphy and Gavin Pollock to cross the line. David McClelland finished off the scoring with an excellent display of power and pace to break through the Larne line on the half way and out pace the larne defenders to the line to round off an excellent team perfromance.

Three teams traveled to Larne today with all three recording excellent victories showing the depth of quality there is within this squad. The hard work put into training sessions is starting to show in all aspects of our play but we cannot become complacent in light of our excellent performances and results. Putting 100% into every training session will guarantee further success for a very talented squad of players.

Scorers: David McClelland 3
Gavin Pollock 3
Conal Murphy 2
Matthew McCready 1
Rigan Morrison Sanderson 1


R. Henderson

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Monday 19th November

RAINEY U13/U12 50 – 0 COOKSTOWN U13

An experimental U13/U12 squad of 32 players travelled to Cookstown High to take on a home team featuring only U13 players. It was instructive for the U12 boys to be present at an U13 team talk to give them an appreciation of the high standards expected of their older counterparts. These are the standards to which the first form must aspire if they are to continue the excellent progress they have so far enjoyed. The pre-match warm up revealed a muddy pitch and dimming light, nevertheless the boys took to the field in a confident mood.

Right from the off the Rainey pack took control of the ball and did not relinquish that control until Mr. Hastings blew for full time. Starting for Rainey were Conal Murphy at number eight and David McClelland at twelve. Conal performed well controlling the ball at the base of the scrum and making a number of bustling ball carries that broke the gain line. David also had a storming match as he quickly learns the positional side of playing at inside centre. As a crash runner he broke numerous tackles to make a large number of yards for his team mates. What was also eye-catching was his off-loading prior to the tackle and ball presentation after being tackled. Kieran Lynch was substituted onto the wing just before half-time. Kieran’s speed agility proved too much for his opposite number as he skinned him time and again. Kieran was most unlucky as he narrowly failed to score on several occasions due to the intervention of the Cookstown full back.

After half-time Sam Hawe came on in the front row and Matthew McCready joined the second row. Both boys made very solid contributions with Sam catching a kick off and running back at the opposition to retrieve over 30 yards. Both boys were aggressive in the tackle and effective in the rucks. Saturday’s U12 Captain Rigan came on in the back row and gave his usual composed performance of controlled aggression and set up play. Mark Kavanagh also entered the fray, playing in the back line. He collected a number of passes and showed an intuitive appreciation of the depth required in offensive back play. As such Mark was able to move onto passes with pace making a large number of yards and again tidily setting up the ball in the tackle.

In the move of the match the ball was quickly transferred through 4 sets of U12 hands before being passed out to a U13 player who failed to convert a certain score in the corner. This caused me confusion as I was under the impression that the U12’s were supposed to learn from the U13’s and not the other way around!!!!

In today’s match the U12’s enjoyed time, space and the security of knowing they were surrounded by talented and experienced players. As such the boys played with confidence demonstrating a wide range of skills. This match proved to be a great learning experience and yet more progress for the first form squad.

Mr. R. Henderson

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Saturday 17th November

Coaches view: U12 A game

The U12 A squad started their rugby lives within the school with a ten-a-side home match against B.R.A. Straight from the kick off it was obvious the boys were up for the match with the Rainey pack quick to dominate the early exchanges of the match. Rigan Morrison-Sanderson showed excellent leadership skills both communicating to his team and leading from the front. The home side were soon on the score board with an excellent team try scored by Kieran Lynch. The early domination and intensity faded half way through the first half allowing a strong B.R.A pack the chance to get going and soon levelled the match 5 -5. It was obvious the boys had to dig deep to withstand the mounting pressure from a B.R.A side growing in confidence, but with strong tackles they drove B.R.A back to set a platform for their backs to launch attacks from. Cameron Noble and Kieran Lynch soon set about distributing the ball to the dynamic trio of David McClelland, Stephen McAuley and Gavin Pollock who all made good ground on all occasions they received the ball. Rainey took the lead on the stroke of half time with Conal Murphy crashing over in the corner. Conal had a great day scoring a hat-trick of tries but what was more impressive was his overall play, aggressive in the tackle and stealing in the rucks and mauls was very impressive. Half time score 10 - 5.

The second half was all one way traffic with Rainey dominating all aspects of the game. B.R.A could not break the Rainey defence being driven back on the few occasions they had control of the ball. The pack again dominated the rucks leaving the backs to set up scores for David McClelland, Stephen McAuley, Gavin Pollock and Kieran Lynch. The forwards were not to be out done with Conal Murphy getting his second and third tries and Matthew McCready finishing off the scoring.

I would like to congratulate the boys on a very deserving and satisfactory victory and they should be proud off everything they did today.

As a coach I am very proud of the boys performance today and the hard work they have put into training so far. If we are to continue to develop as individuals and as a team continued hard work is required in training every Monday, Thursday and also on a Friday night at the rugby club to build on today’s fantastic result.

Final Score 45 - 5

Tries -         C Murphy (3)
                  K Lynch (2)
                  D McClelland (1)
                  S McAuley (1)
                  M McCready (1)
                  G Pollock (1)

A very proud and hoarse,

R Henderson

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Coaches view: U12 B game

Prior to today’s games the U12 squad received a rousing team talk from Mr. Richard Henderson highlighting the need to play with controlled aggression in their efforts to retain and regain possession of the most important part of the game - the ball. Also mentioned, and applicable to all sports, was that if you enter into a contest thinking that the opposition have a chance of winning, then you have already handed them an advantage. Mr. Henderson discussed trust of your team-mates to carry out their job but also the need to step forward and make things happen and not wait for others; these were all key components of a superb first team talk.

Congratulations to the U12 ’B’ squad who dominated possession and territory to overcome their B.R.A. counterparts by 10 – 5. Rainey's rush defence afforded the opposition little time to use the ball and when they did secure possession they were invariably tackled and knocked backwards. The half-back pairing of Stephen Kelso and Captain Luke McAllister provided a tenacious first line of defence. Stephen Kelso was also seemingly everywhere in attack demonstrating an elusive running style which features an excellent body swerve. Oisin Connery’s pacy running at inside centre also proved a constant offensive threat. Dennis O’Kane and Peter Wilson patrolled their respective flanks, snuffing out all B.R.A. counter-attacks.
In the tight five the powerful and aggressive rucking of Johnny Stewart, the pick and goes of Bobby Weir (PF) and the all round display of Stephen Duncan caused havoc amongst the opposition forwards.

Substitutes too numerous to mention all played a part in an immense day for U12 Rainey rugby.  Our gratitude to the large parental presence who braved the inclement weather to offer great support, we are indebted to you.

Special praise is warranted for the following expert contributions to the boys’ early progress: Mr. P. Johnston, Mr. S. Staples, Mr. E. Stewart, Mr. N. Sanderson, Mr. E. Murphy, Mr. D. Davies and Mr. D. Dawson, thank you gentlemen.

Today’s victories were achieved against a large Belfast School with a deep rugby playing tradition. As such the significance of both the ‘A’ and ‘B’ victories should not be under-estimated. A number of these boys are pushing for a place in the U12 1st XV and have made a brilliant start to a long and successful rugby journey in the Rainey school.

I left Rainey to travel to Antrim Forum to watch the 1st Xl Hockey team tackle Larne in the cup. Although Hockey is a game of which I have only very limited knowledge it was relatively easy to identify a most spirited performance featuring a fierce determination to win. The girls’ performed with skill, focus and resolve to comfortably defeat their tricky opponents. Congratulations to the squad and Miss Atkinson for her inspirational coaching. The girls received outstanding support from Mrs. Burns, Burnsey’s red and black army and a number of parents and family members. Go Rainey sport!

More U12 boys are appearing for training at the Rainey old boys rugby club (6.30pm Fridays). As I have said on numerous occasions, past experience dictates that this is an important and enjoyable part of your rugby development.

Finally congratulations to Mr. Richard Henderson who has taken my title of most vocal coach in Ulster. Great stuff Ricky!

Final Score – 10 – 5 win

Scorers

Tries -         S. Kelso
                  S. Duncan

L. Peggs (17/11/2007)

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Saturday 29th September

Kieran Lynch and Rigan Morrison-Sanderson made their debuts for the U13 ’A’ team today. Along with Conal Murphy they appeared as second half replacements in today’s fixture at Clounagh Junior High School, Portadown. Rigan came on in the unfamiliar position of out half and acquitted himself well with several quick and assured transfers of the ball to the first centre. The Jason Robinson style dancing feet of Kieran Lynch proved too much for Clounagh as Midge collected a pop ball to crash over for his first score for Rainey School.

Congratulations to all three players their appearance today is evidence of Rainey Rugby's commitment to the development of younger players.

Kieran, Rigan, Conal and a significant number of other U12 players are now training at the Rainey Old Boys Rugby Club (5.30pm-7.00pm each Friday). As I have said on many occasions this is an essential part of your rugby progression and you will find it an enjoyable experience too.

L. Peggs (29/9/2007)

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Tuesday 18th September

U12 players Rigan Morrison, Sam Hawe, Ciaran Lynch and Conal Murphy all made promising debuts for the U13 B team against Regent House. Although it was a tough forward dominated encounter the experience will prove invaluable in their own U12 fixtures due to start later this term.

Some of the early season momentum enjoyed by last year's first form can be attributed to early appearances in U13 games. Other 1st form boys, already catching the eye in training, will receive similar opportunities in upcoming U13 B matches.

U12 XV v Ballymena Academy

Rainey U12’s started the new year with an excellent victory against a large and physical Ballymena Academy side today.  Rainey started the first half with a strong wind behind them and dominated all aspects of the game.  Rainey were quick to get into their stride breaking the gain line with every attack.  Matthew McCready opened the scoring, picking from the base of a ruck and attacking the blind side to slide over in the corner.  From the restart Ballymena found themselves on the back foot again with Rainey playing some fantastic rugby, keeping the ball alive with support runners giving options to the ball carrier on all occasions. Ballymena found it difficult to contain the free flowing rugby with Timothy Andrews carrying three opponents over the line to score his first try of the season.  Not to be out done another member of the front row Sam Hawe, got in on the scoring act with great support play to crash over for an excellent try.  Half back pairing Cameron Noble and Kieran Lynch had an excellent game in defence and attack, distributing the ball to their fellow backs David McClelland, Stephen Kelso and Gavin Pollock who finished the half off with a well worked try, the ball travelling through all the back line with Gavin out pacing the Ballymena defence to score a fine try.

Half time 20 - 0

Ballymena regrouped at Half time with a change in tactics, keeping the ball tight up front to frustrate a determined and committed home side.  Ballymena had a sustained period of pressure but Rainey’s defence was string with Kieran Lynch, Conal Murphy and Rigan Morrison-Sanderson knocking opponents back to contain a strong Ballymena pack.  The line was eventually broken to allow Ballymena their only score of the match.  Mark Kavanagh  came on half way through the second half and made an impact straight away, Rainey started to demonstrate the rugby they had played in the first half and dominate the game again only to be beaten by the final whistle!!

Both teams put in excellent performances today committed in everything they did but more pleasing was the standard of rugby played by such young men.  Continuity, phases of play and strong in the tackle, all aspects of play taken from the training ground, continued hard work every week will ensure further success to a very talented squad of young men.

I would like to thank all parents who braved the inclement weather to support the boys with matches organised for the next three Fridays all your support would be greatly appreciated.

Final Score 20 - 5

Scorers    M McClelland - 1
    T Andews - 1
    S Hawe - 1
    G Pollock - 1

R Henderson.

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U12 XV v Sullivan Upper

The Rainey U12’s came up against a strong, well drilled and organised Sullivan Upper opposition this morning. Rainey were on the back foot within the first few minutes, with too many missed tackles allowing Sullivan to cross the line early in the match.  Rainey struggled to come to terms with a team which have trained/played together for sometime now.  We defended with great heart and commitment to hold Sullivan to 10 points in the first half.

Half time 10 - 0.

The boys rallied together during the half time interval and came out in the second half showing the potential that they have, getting to the break down clearing out as a unit only for a ‘street wise’ Sullivan to thwart the early dominance Rainey had.  Two quick break away tries allowed Sullivan to edge ahead.  Rainey showed great character and resolve under pressure to defend their line and frustrate Sullivan with controlled aggression and a strong line of defence. 

Final score 40 - 0.

As a coach I would like to commend the boys on the strength of character they showed this morning, for ones so young they showed a lot of maturity beyond their years, as a team they will grow from this match and develop their skills and ‘know how’ to tackle any opposition they encounter.  Today’s match should not be dwelt upon nor forgotten, with lessons to be learnt and taken into our next match.  At the end of the first term of rugby at the school the boys can be very proud of everything they have achieved in such a short period of time training and playing together.  The future is bright for a squad of enthusiastic and endearing young men.

I would like to thank the parents who took the time to come along and support the teams, I know I have appreciated your support as much as the boys and to Mr E Lynch offering to hold a pad only to feel the power of the U12’s in the warm up being emptied by one of the lads!!

I would like to thank all the U12’s for their hard work during training this year and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

R Henderson.





Under 12 XV
Saturday 15th December
RAINEY U12 ’B’s – 0 - SULLIVAN ’B’s – 20

In their first 12-a-side fixture the U12’s travelled to Sullivan Upper hoping to maintain their superb start to the season. Conditions were relatively mild and the pitch was in good order. The boys received a inspirational team talk from Mr. Henderson and warmed up for the match with the expected intensity.

In a match in which Rainey held the edge in term of territory and possession it was the greater experience of the Sullivan boys that proved the difference. The mini and maxi setup which feeds into Sullivan was evident, especially in the half-back positions. Although Sullivan’s 9 and 10 had no physical advantage over their Rainey counterparts they did have more know-how in and around the rucks and scrums. As such Rainey, despite their dominance, were subject to four breakaway tries in which Sullivan’s out and scrum half exploited gaps in the Rainey defence.

For Rainey Bobby Weir and Stephen Duncan led from the front with aggression and power. The half-back pairing of Luke McAllister and Oisin Connery carried Rainey’s main offensive threat and performed superbly against their more experienced opponents. In defence Dennis O’Kane and Peter Wilson executed several tackles and the game featured a superb run and offload from Sam McCalmont.

Boys, do not be too downhearted about today’s defeat, your encountered more experienced opposition who have clearly played rugby together for several years. You all learned and improved as the game progressed and you represented your school with distinction. With more training and match experience we will plug today’s gaps and convert our territorial dominance into further victories. You are all most fortunate, in that Mr. Henderson, you have an experienced and passionate coach who will do his up most to help you succeed.

After their match the U12’s watched the 1st XV perform superbly against their Sullivan counterparts. The interplay and aggression of the Rainey forwards, especially the back row, was the outstanding feature of the match. A final score of 0-0 did not reflect Rainey’s second half performance. Congratulations to Mr Simpson, his team of coaches and most importantly the boys for the giant strides they have taken since September.

Comedy moment of the day is reserved for Mr. E. Lynch who was invited to hold a pad in today’s warm up and was ‘surprised’ by the power of Matthew McCready who erm, let me think, what is the correct expression – emptied him. Tough luck my friend only about 100 people saw the incident.

L Peggs (15/12/2007)

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U12 XV v Larne Grammar

The U12’s continued their winning ways today, in damp and muddy conditions at Larne Grammar. Straight from the kick off the Rainey pack took control of the game displaying power, aggression and excellent rucking, with Matthew McCready driving two and three opponents out off every ruck he hit.  The first score was soon on the score board, the forwards driving up the middle giving the backs excellent possession with a new half back pairing of Cameron Noble and Rigan Morrison Sanderson showing composure and excellent communication to set David ‘Chabal’ McClelland to crash over for the first of his three tries.  A Larne knock on led to the second score, from the resulting scrum Rigan worked the blind side to send Gavin Pollock over in the corner.  The front three of Johnny Stewart, Timothy Andrews and Sam Hawe worked hard all day, with Timothy throwing Larne forwards out of his way to gain and secure possession for his team.  Body positions and power in the rucks ensured the backs had good possession all match to which they executed moves gaining territory on all attacks.  The third try has to be put down to Mr GENEROUSITY Rigan Morrison-Sanderson who having crossed the line passed to Gavin Pollock to set down! Matthew McCready got the try he deserved for an excellent performance knocking three players out of his way before crossing the line.  Rigan did get himself on the score sheet with some excellent support play to keep the pressure on Larne.  Cameron Noble made an excellent break from the base of a ruck only for a last ditch tackle to stop him scoring in the corner.  Half time score 30 - 0.

The second half started slowly with Rainey taking the foot of the pedal thinking the job was done.  This allowed Larne control and possession of the ball to attack the Rainey Line.  One target set for todays match was to keep a clean sheet, with pressure on the ball carriers and excellent tackling Rainey withstood the attacks and keep there line in tack.  Rainey ‘switched’ back on and took control of the game with Conal Murphy smashing his way through the Larne defence to score an excellent try.  Rainey started to show their skills in committing the tackler and getting the pass away but also the off loads in the tackle with support runners calling for the ball created space for Conal Murphy and Gavin Pollock to cross the line.  David McClelland finished off the scoring with an excellent display of power and pace to break through the Larne line on the half way and out pace the larne defenders to the line to round off an excellent team perfromance.

Three teams traveled to Larne today with all three recording excellent victories showing the depth of quality there is within this squad.  The hard work put into training sessions is starting to show in all aspects of our play but we cannot become complacent in light of our excellent performances and results.  Putting 100% into every training session will guarantee further success for a very talented squad of players.

Scorers:    David McClelland        3
    Gavin Pollock            3
    Conal Murphy            2
    Matthew McCready        1
    Rigan Morrison Sanderson        1


R. Henderson