Sullivan Upper goes into the hat for Saturday’s Schools Cup Round 4 draw after staging a second half comeback at Rainey Endowed. A Ross Adair penalty in the final quarter was the difference between the two teams as Sullivan sneaked ahead to win 7 – 10.

The match was a tense, scrappy affair with both defences dominating and territory going with the steady breeze blowing straight down the pitch.

Rainey had the conditions behind them in the first half and they enjoyed the territorial advantage. After a messy opening quarter the home side spent a sustained period of pressure in the Sullivan 22 and they eventually got their reward when Rainey’s prop Chris Lynch charged down an attempted clearance from Sullivan scrum half Harry Eves. Lynch managed to react quickly and fell on the ball under the posts to claim the opening try much to the delight of the large crowd. Out half Marty Connolly converted to give the home side a 7 – 0 lead.

Sullivan tried to hit back before the break but threw away a few chances, being a little over impulsive on occasion.

The second half was a mirror image of the first with Sullivan Upper enjoying the conditions and the territory. After a series of attacks the visitors finally found some space out wide where left wing Dan Floyd had the gas to outstrip the defence and the sense to bring the ball in field for a easier kick. Sullivan fullback Ross Adair duly obliged with the conversion and the scores were tied at 7 – 7.

Sullivan continued to push for a second score and when a break from out half  Charlie Preece ended up with a penalty being awarded they kept their composure and opted for the kick. Adiar slotted it over and the visitors were ahead 7 – 10.

Rainey roused themselves and pushed hard for a winning score but the Sullivan defence held firm with the visitors holding on to take the game.

Rainey Endowed: Chris Lynch, Owen Devlin, James Kelso, Mark McErlean, Damian Perkin, Michael Dawson, Jonny Lees, Luke Steele, Ossian Quinn, Marty Connolly, Matthew Stewart, Philip Caulfield, Damien McMurry, Fintan Quinn, Jamie Burrows, Aaron Laverty, Stephen McAuley, Thomas Booth, Aaron Murphy, Lennox, Stephen Nelson, Paddy Scott

Sullivan Upper: Tom Stevenson, Robbie Montgomery, Ryan Loughead, Owen Glenn, Adam Wood, Jonny Tullin, Ollie Loughead, Mike Scott, Harry Eves, Charlie Preece, Dan Floyd, Rory Bourton, Ollie Mathews, Rory Foy, Ross Adair, S McKelvey, T McClelland, S Finlay, O Fearon, J Haliday, A Kerr, D McAvoy.