Match Reports- 3rd December 2022

Portadown Mens’ 1st XV vs Academy Mens’ 1st XV

Portadown hosted Belfast side Academy in the return fixture of the season, after a loss in Belfast earlier in the season. There was a great crowd down for the game, as the club also hosted their ‘Women’s Day’. Portadown started slowly, allowing their opposition to score a try and penalty in the first 10 minutes, leaving Portadown to chase the game. This challenge also increased with the loss of centre Marshall Clint, which saw the reshuffling of the backrow to move flanker Jordan Taylor out to inside centre. Despite this, Portadown started to attack well in the Academy half, and after a few nearly-tries, Captain James Wright crashed over from a strong scrum turnover to start the Portadown scoring. Academy responded with another penalty a few minutes later, but Portadown continued their strong attack ethic, with Michael Orr orchestrating the backline well. This continuous pressure led to a try to young Fullback Jamie Hayes.

Matthew Neill was able to add a penalty soon after this, leaving Portadown in a dominant position at halftime. After half time, Portadown continued to pressure the Academy team, with a strong maul pushing the team over the line only to be held up over the line. Portadown continued to attack with vigour, and soon led to a try from Michael Orr after some great quick thinking from a tap and go. Despite being behind, Academy did not stop attacking, but the blue wall of defence held well. This continued until the last minute of the game, as on the counter attack from a Academy drop ball, Portadown’s backs delivered one final try, in the corner courtesy of Michael Orr again, leaving the final score 27-11 to the hosts and now back at the top of the Kukri Qualifying 2 League.

Portadown are at home this  week to Ballymoney ko 2.30pm

Portadown 2nd XV vs Bangor 2nd XV

Portadown were back in action at Chambers Park this weekend taking on Bangor in a game both teams were targeting to stay in the top half of the table. Portadown fielded an exciting team with a mix of both youth and experience. The home side got off to a perfect start, touching down under the sticks within the first 5 minutes after an expertly crafted team try. This would continue and Portadown would add two more scores before the half. However, Bangor were determined to make Portadown work for every score and were able to run in two trys before the first half would end.

As the second half kicked off Portadown looked for calm heads to settle the game and keep Bangor out, but with the game swinging in the travelling teams favour they struck back running in a further two trys. Portadown wouldn’t be kept out for long, with hard work and free flowing rugby they managed to see out the game with trys from Ryan Nelson (2), Sam Murray, Brandon Gribben, Luke Ashton and Conor Megarity bringing the final score to 45-24 to Portadown in an all round exciting game of rugby.

Youth Fixtures

The U18s took on a very strong Monaghan side at home on Saturday. The young ports team played with plenty of ball in hand but despite strong performances from Paul Antu and Benjamin Neill, they couldn’t cross the line. Final score 34-0. It has been a tough season for the young team however they are getting better every week and the coaches believe a win is just around the corner for them.

Portadown U16 lost narrowly to Monaghan 20 point to 26 on Saturday morning.

Portadown U12 Girls played Armagh in a Blitz tournament played at City of Armagh RFC

Killicomaine JHS played Clounagh JHS on Saturday at U13 and U14 levels.

Killicomaine won both matches playing the better rugby on the day.

U13 Killicomaine 45 Clounagh O

U14 Killicomaine 46 Clounagh 5