Last final of SML season not played

The Rainey Cup final between Carniny Rangers and Harryville Homers, due to be played at Michelin on Thursday past, was cancelled as Carniny withdrew from the Competition.

The Council of the BSML at its meeting on Monday last week accepted the Carniny Rangers withdrawal and awarded the trophy to Harryville Homers.

A Carniny spokesman told Times Sport that the club had taken the decision to withdraw “on a point of principle”.

He said that the club’s players had rearranged work shifts and social activities in order to play the final on its original scheduled date a week earlier but claimed that the club had not been consulted in the decision to put back the decider after the other semi-final had been delayed.

“We felt the knock-on effect of this which was detrimental to our squad for the final and for this reason we withdrew from the competition,” the spokesman added.

No further disciplinary action will be taken against Carniny for failing to fulfil the fixture but Times Sport understands that the imposition of sanctions for failing to fulfil fixtures will be considered at the league’s AGM.

Harryville Homers will be presented with the Rainey Cup at the BSML Presentation Dinner at Leighinmohr House Hotel this Friday June 7, as well as all other trophies which were won during the year.

Robert Duddy’s side completed their Division One campaign with an unbeaten record last week as they beat All Saints Old Boys 2-1.

Jason Magill’s double strike ensured that Homers completed their 23 rd win from 24 league games, their only blemish coming when they were held to a draw by Ahoghill Thistle earlier in the campaign.

The result also meant that All Saints failed to clinch runners-up spot, with Carniny Rangers claiming the silver medal position.