Despite a strong and impressive start by the ERGS team causing a Rainey fumble of the ball and allowing a quick opening try and conversion, the match soon became a tough physical slog as the larger and aggressive Rainey team dragged the ERGS side into a scrappy mauling game. The Rainey pack used their size advantage well to out-ruck and pressurise ERGS meaning quick clean ball to the back line became infrequent. ERGS competed well at each set piece but just could not find the space needed to break through. Strike runners became isolated and a well drilled rucking side quickly gained turnover ball or caused a defensive scramble to clear the line. Final score 23-7, a tough lesson learnt as we prepare for Dungannon next week but spirits remain high as we look forward to a Royal School derby.