IT is often said that Ireland can have all four seasons on the same day.That was certainly the case at Merrion Road last Saturday where famous old Dublin club Wanderers met Rainey Old Boys in the AIL.
As the storm clouds started to roll in from th
e city centre, pleasant, sunny conditions and a light breeze were replaced by hailstones and a driving wind which forced most of the crowd to seek refuge.
No sooner had they re-emerged than torrential rain arrived to lash the Dublin 4 venue and by the time the blue skies re-appeared, Rainey's chances of taking anything from this game had disappeared.
Wanderers scored two converted tries in that period and though Rainey had the final say, Wanderers thoroughly deserved their 27-16 win, their fourth from four starts.
Rainey had to make two changes in the front row for their first visit to Merrion Road which was in great shape.
In the first minute Richard Paul had a little kick through blocked causing his support to scramble back and concede a penalty which was missed.
After four minutes McKernan put Rainey ahead with a penalty from halfway and then went close with another long range attempt.
With Dawson taking good ball at number two and the scrum holding up well, Rainey enjoyed territorial advantage but failed to subject the opposition to any real pressure and a high tackle from Mc Bride gave full-back Boland the opportunity to equalise after 18 minutes.
Moving the ball around confidently, Wanderers started to stretch Rainey and a number of phases ended in prop Hiro Tea claiming the opening try, which was converted.
No.8 McCrea then countered with support to earn a penalty which McKernan kicked from 35 yards. He was then very unlucky to see a long range effort drop just beneath the crossbar.
On the half-hour Rainey managed to handle the ball in the home '22' for the first time when Dawson stole lineout possession and his colleagues set up out-half Martin for a drop goal.
Rainey badly needed a try before the break and turnover ball in midfield allowed them to release wing Campbell who made good ground before offloading to Richard Paul who did well to hold the pass but could not regain his balance and put a foot in touch.
Off the top lineout ball from Hawe led to O'Kane and then Boyle driving to within touching distance of the goal-line,but instead of trying to rumble over, they opted to use the backs and Wanderers had no trouble snuffing out the threat.In time added on Wanderers threw the ball about in fine style but Rainey defended well until a needless indiscretion gave Boland the chance to leave his side 13-10 up at the interval.
Rainey had a let-off when a missed tackle almost proved costly and McKernan saved the day when he tackled man and ball on realizing that he was outnumbered near his own line.
As Wanderers stepped up the pace, Martin found it increasingly difficult to get his clearances away and the sudden arrival of the inclement weather coincided with the demise of the Rainey team.
With the spectators running for shelter, Wanderers were allowed to recycle possession after dropping the ball and they hacked through for centre Robertson to score at the posts.
Almost from the restart Wanderers countered for Boland to score another converted try.
Finding themselves 27-9 adrift, Rainey could not get back into it and made several switches as the deluge relented and the sunshine tempted some of the drenched faithful to return to the touchline.
To Rainey's credit, they did not lie down and after a spell of pressure that produced nothing, they worked a catch and drive try for McDowell in the second minute of injury time.
Like Brennan, McDowell was making his first appearance of the season, bringing the number of players who have had this honour up to a remarkable 41.
Team: R.Paul, A.Campbell, J.McBride, N.Sanderson, D.McKernan, G.Martin, R.Paul, N.O'Kane, S.Sufferin, R.Hill, P.Stewart, P.Boyle, D.Dawson, R.Mc Crea, S.Hawe. Replacements: P.Hawkins (Stewart 21), R.Botha (Campbell 62), K.Brennan (Hawkins 62), S.Mc Dowell (Sufferin 62)
Table Quiz -Friday 13 November
Fundraiser for the nurses involved locally in the Health Care at Home service.Great night last year. Super raffle prizes. Starting 8.30p.m.
