The Rainey team recorded a well contested victory with the scoreboard having read 7-0 in their favour at the break. A good crowd had gathered to watch an entertaining game which featured quite a few talented players on both teams.
The Armagh team started the game in a positive mood and dominated both territory and possession scored for long periods of the first half. However, a well organised Rainey defence, with players such as Ethan Canavan, Mikki Kelly, Craig Thornton and Thomas McGoldrick prominent, kept the Armagh attacks, led by Darragh Lennon, Matthew Morrison and Joe Flannigan, at bay.
On a rare excursion out of their defensive zone, the Rainey team got the first points of the night on the board. Ethan Canavan created the space for Tiernan McLarnon who displayed great pace to outflank the Armagh defence and run in for a try. Leo Gribbin added the extras to see the Rainey team into a 7-0 lead at the break.
The Armagh team started the second period of play strongly. Their forwards, with Darragh Lennon, Adam Redmond and Matthew George leading the way, made good ground when carrying the ball. Ten minutes into the second half space was created close to the Rainey whitewash and Calum Clark scrambled over for a try. Matthew Monaghan was successful with his conversion to draw the scores level at 7-7. The Armagh team kept the pressure on and came close to adding to their points tally on a number of occasions. However, the Rainey defence was resilient and their line remained intact.
With six minutes of the game remaining Ethan Canavan fielded an Armagh kick and made a superb break taking play deep into the Armagh Red Zone. Despite being tackled close to the line, Ethan found Craig Thornton running a great support line. A clever off load sent Craig over the line to touch down for an unconverted try and see his Rainey team into a 12-7 lead.
Armagh responded with some strong carries from Daire McArdle, Darragh Lennon and Jack Wilson but the Rainey defence held firm. That ensured the scoreboard read City of Armagh U18s 7 Rainey Old Boys’ U18s 12 when the no side whistle sounded.
Clive Bowles, former Ulster U19 Manager, former Ulster Juniors Coach and a Past-President of Portadown Rugby Club, presented the Nutty Krust “Man of the Match Award” at the post match ceremony to Darragh Lennon, the Armagh U18 team No 2.
The second of this season’s Nutty Krust group stage games will be played on Wednesday 8th February when the Portadown RFC U18 team will play the Dungannon RFC U18 team at 7-45pm.