Rainey III get revenge over Valley

But with several of that squad now unavailable, they have found life at a higher level less forgiving.

After a fine victory at Cooke, however, they followed that up by defeating Clogher Valley II at Hatrick Park 18-8 to avenge a heavy defeat at The Cran six weeks ago.

Apart from some horrendous handling errors, they can go on from here and be competitive against any opposition with a degree of confidence.

Rainey bossed the early exchanges with centre Moran making a good break and they should have scored before Clogher were denied by a high tackle.

The visitors kicked a penalty,but a quickly taken penalty by scrum-half Lennox caught the opposition completely off guard for centre Montgomery to stroll over for the easiest of tries.Moran and Montgomery then combined from deep to pierce the Valley defence,with wing Mc Erlain going over in the corner.

Out-half Irvine hit a post with a penalty and Mc Namee was held up before Valley missed a close range kick at the other end.

Moran made it 15-3 early in the second half and with Mc Namee’s direct running and Beattie’s enthusiasm showing the way,they should have been streets ahead.But Valley fluffed a clear chance before a spell of pressure brought them a try.

A series of careless mistakes threatened to spoil a decent Rainey display,but Irvine settled their nerves with a 40 yard penalty and they finished well with Mc Namee and Monaghan involved in most of their best moves.

At underage level,Rainey were at Carrick,one of the stronger clubs at present and came away with impressive victories at both U18 and U16 levels.