Rainey prepare for league campaigns
Thursday, 7 August 2008
Kicking off the new season is player/coach South African Rhys Botha of Rainey Old Boys Rugby Club with the help of Ollie McShane Director of Rugby and Club President Ben Glancy. nc25-251sh.
WITH the release of the Ulster League and A.I.L.fixtures last week Rainey Old Boys can now plan ahead for a long season which is scheduled to end on April 18 with a home fixture with Leixlip side Barnhall.
Rainey open their revamped Ulster campaign on August 30 at home to Ballynahinch,followed by a trip to Rifle Park in Banbridge. They then entertain league and cup holders Belfast Harlequins before Instonians come to Hatrick Park on September 20.
Rainey's last outing in the Ulster League is at Eaton Park on January 3 when Division 1 Ballymena provide the opposition.The draw has yet to be made for the first round of the A.I.B. Cup which will be played on September 27.
The Old Boys will make six cross-border trips in all,starting with a return to Galway on October 18 where they played Corinthians in their first ever AIL game.
The trips are well spaced out and should please supporters who will,no doubt,be looking forward to the Connemara date in Clifden on April 11.
Banbridge,a top four side last season,will be at home on October 4 when Rainey are visitors. Promoted Bruff and Instonians are replaced by Barnhall and Dublin club Suttonians, while Portadown have reclaimed their senior status at the expense of City of Derry.
After three weeks of ball work and conditioning Rainey step up their pre-seasin training this Saturday when the squad are split into teams for some competitive rugby which will give coach Rhys Botha further insight into the talent at his disposal.
A New Zealand centre and a South African prop are currently being considered by a recruitment panel who have the task of deciding which best suit Rainey's needs. Following the rugby on Saturday is a barbecue. Clogher Valley come to Hatrick Park on August 16.
John Beattie has been included in the Ulster Youth squad for pre-season training.
