Coach’s unhappy return to Rainey
from 30 metres out. However, in terribly difficult conditions his effort was off target.
Rainey had a chance to score when another attack looked like producing a try, but they were penalised for ‘crossing’ which relieved the pressure. On another occasion their full back intercepted and raced away for what looked a certain try, but he sought support instead of backing himself to go the whole way and Boyne defenders managed to prevent a score.
The constant thrusts of the home forwards did yield another score before half-time, though, when they drove off a lineout to score their second try. This was converted, with Boyne finally managing to put points on the scoreboard when Kerbey landed a penalty - 14-3 at the interval.
The second half saw Boyne’s efforts dissipate completely and the home side took control and piled on the points.
They were content to kick for goal in the first instance, with Laidlier slotting over, but Rainey’s loose forwards were rampant and complemented by a mobile front five they paved the way for two more tries to secure their bonus point by the hour mark.
Boyne’s challenge was fading fast in the latter stages and the exemplary discipline displayed on the opening day of the AIL campaign wasn’t repeated in this game as Rainey added a further converted score before the finish.
Boyne will have to look at aspects of their game which gave cause for concern, in particular their lineout which was once again abysmal, and also their failure to retain possession in contact.
The conditions did not allow for expansive rugby and Rainey employed tactics to deal with this, by giving control to their forwards - which they did to devastating effect.
Once again, Rory Hennessy proved to be the outstanding Boyne player. Although small in stature, the youngster lacks nothing in heart, pace and power and was the only man to match the Rainey forwards in this regard.
Boyne once again head north this coming Saturday when they play Bangor in round three of their Division 2C campaign.