Rugby: Rainey Old Boys get their Ulster Bank League fixtures

Rainey OB will face trips to Dublin, Limerick and Tipperary

While Hatrick Park will host eight home games in Division 2A this season, Rainey face a lot of travelling, with all seven of their away fixtures taking them across the border to venues in counties Dublin, Kildare, Limerick and Tipperary.

Many of Rainey’s best performances in recent seasons in senior rugby have, however, been away from home, so they can justifiably travel with some optimism.

With seven Leinster sides, five from Ulster and four from Munster in Division 2A, there will be quite a few derby games, some of which have been fixed for Friday nights.

Rainey are currently considering installing floodlights before Christmas, so that there is a slight possibility of bringing one or two fixtures forward.

The Old Boys will face five different opponents this season and with little or nothing separating most of the sides, this division is sure to be highly competitive.

Their opening block of three games sees them looking at a very tough start. A strong City of Derry team, obvious candidates for a promotion spot, will be at Hatrick Park on September 20th.

Then, after their first ever trip to South Dublin side Seapoint, Rainey entertain Queen’s on October 4th. By Christmas, eight games should have been played and a place in the top half of the table would be very acceptable.

On January 31th, Rainey meet the mighty Blackrock College at Stradbrook. Strangled by financial problems, Blackrock have slumped alarmingly in recent seasons and they will be desperate to stop the bleeding and regain their former status.

Top dogs in Ulster not that long ago, Dungannon have also slipped down from Division 1B and will be anxious to bounce back up at the first attempt. They come to Rainey late in the season.

The three promoted teams, Nenagh Ormond, Skerries and Thomond, all oppose Rainey in the last few weeks of the campaign.

Top Junior side will be taking two squads to Rainey for a workout on August 16th.

The Ulster League Championship kicks-off on August 30th when Rainey go to Dungannon. Champions Ballynahinch come to Magherafelt on September 6th.