Butler Shield semi final

Inishowen 2nds 20 - 0 Rainey Old Boys 4ths
14th March 2009
James McColgan

Inishowen will make the traditional pilgramage to Ravenhill soon for another silverware decider.

The first team have been at the home of Ulster rugby in each of the last six years but this time it will be the second team who fly the flag for the peninsula. They earned their ticket after a bruising but accomplished display at Moss Road to topple Rainey, who were the holders.

Inishowen won the toss and opted to use the stiff breeze in the first half. The tactic worked, as Rainey surrendered the vast majority of the territory, only rarely reaching the home side's "22". For all their dominance though, Inishowen only had ten points to show for their efforts at the break. A 20th minute try from Neil Gillespie was converted by Finn McCormack, who also added a penalty to put a little day-light between the sides.

Rainey pinned Inishowen back for the opening ten minutes of the second half & should have cut the deficit when they had a kickable penalty, but instead opted to employ their big second row in the line out. Inishowen resisted the pressure & stole back possession when the ball squirted loose. Rainey's frustration resulted in the referee awarding the home side a penalty for hands in the ruck & when McCormack brought play back into the visitors half, Inishowen had weathered the storm. That's were most of the rest of the afternoon was spent as Inishowen played a close compact keep ball game. Not to be out done by his second row partner, Matthew McCrossan touched down for his second try in two games. (Also his second in six years.) Rainey's heads seemed to drop at that point & soon after Seamus Hickey put the result beyond doubt after good work from Chris Jones at full back. The final whistle sparked scenes of relief & celebration among the large support on the sidelines & it ended a good week for birthday boy Phil McFadden who is now hoping to collect a winners medal in his 50th year.

Great work by the Inishowen front row of Mallon, Boyle & Kelly wore the visitors down & Hickey & McCormack wisely kicked to the corners when needed. The backs were employed mainly as defenders on the day, & dealt comfortably with any threat posed by Rainey.

Training will intensify in the build up to the final when Inishowen will meet either Malone 4ths or Lurgan 3rds.

The full squad will be expected to make one last push to reward the hard work of head coach Kevin Gallagher & player/manager Steve Griffiths.