Match Reports- 7th January 2023

Larne Mens’ 1st XV vs Portadown Mens’ 1st XV

Portadown started brightly but some handling errors and a host of early penalties allowed Larne to come into the game. Portadown mistakes and poor discipline was the take of the half for Portadown. Larne took full advantage of this and managed to score a converted try and a penalty to lead 10-0 at the half. 

Portadown came out in the second half knowing they would need to dig in to get anything from this game. After some solid work centre Brandon Gribben crossed the line to get Portadown on the board. The score was 10- 5. 

Portadown continues to battle and scored again with hooker Sam Close  going over after great line out and maul play by the pack. Score was 10-10. Another penalty soon after seen Larne retake the lead. The score now 13-10. 

With 2 minutes left on the clock Portadown managed to fight into the Larne 22 and centre Gribben crashed over for what would be the winning score.  The game finished Larne 13 – 15 Portadown. 

Portadown take on Donaghadee at Chambers Park this Saturday the 14th January. Kick off at 2:30pm. 

 

Portadown 2nd XV vs Instonians 2nd XV

Portadown 2nds  hosted league leaders Instonians on Saturday at Chambers Park in a top of the table clash. The men in blue were keen to return for their first came back since Christmas and were ready for a tough test from the visiting side. For the first half of the game Portadown were camped in their oppositions 22 and fought hard to convert that into point but a staunch Inst defence kept Portadown out and were able to score 2 runaway tries. Portadown lacked the ability to be clinical when finishing off chances and left many points out on the pitch. With the wind at their backs Inst pressed on into the 2nd half and looked to put the game to bed as Portadown struggled to beat off the cobwebs from their long break in the season. The visitors were able to convert the pressure into points and gained a healthy lead but the Portadown team showed spirit playing right to the end and finished with a try started by Ryan Nelson and touched down by Connor Megarity. The blues will take the lessons from this game into next week as they are set to face Queen for the first time this season. 

Queen Womens 2nd XV vs Portadown Ladies 1st XV

Portadown Ladies played in Belfast against Queens Women’s 2nd xv. I a close fought game Portadown lost 30 point to 20. Portadown’s players gave a strong performance . Some great carries from Hannah Lockhart and Lynsey McCavery made inroads through the Queens defence. Scrum half Sarah McMaster produced some sniping runs from the back of scrum and ruck testing he queens defence. Kirsty Jackson and  Jennifer McCaul’s defence were strong points and along with their running with the ball made their performance stand out in the game.

Portadown Girls and Boys  Academy

Omagh/Portadown U16s girls joint  rugby team claim their first win of the season. They put their  opposition under pressure from the start, maintaining majority of possession and territory throughout the game. Strong carries from the forwards and quick pace from the backs, gave the joint team the upper edge. Tries: Hannah Mardell Portadown scored 2 tries and kicked a conversion in the win. , Sarah Knox also showed some great skills during the game. Daisy McCaffrey earned herself POTM by putting in impressive tackles and quick intensive work around the rucks.  

The Boys  youth academy  teams played Enniskillen  on Saturday morning Enniskillen conceded their U18 game to Portadown. The U14s won their game 64 points to nil and the U16’s won theirs 26 to 12.

Craigavon Senior High-Craigavon Senior High School U15  Medallion side won their Medallion Trophy match against Wellington College.

Upcoming Fixtures

Portadown 1st XV  take on Donaghadee at Chambers Park this Saturday the 14th January. Kick off at 2:30pm.

Portadown 2nds play Queens 3rds XV at home on Saturday at home ko 2.30pm

Portadown 3s are away to Virginia 2nds in the 2nd Rd of the McCambley Cup ko 2.30pm