Match Reports- 14th January 2023
Portadown Mens’ 1st XV vs Donaghdee Mens’ 1st XV
Portadown hosted Donaghadee on Saturday for their first home game of 2023. Portadown started the game strongly and eventually took the lead with fullback Matthew Neill crossing for the first score. Neill scored again shortly after to leave the early score at 10-0.
Some strong scrummaging work set up the next allowing captain James Wright to crash over. Just before half-time, scrum-half Drew Fleck crossed the line to make it 22-0 at the half.
Portadown started the second half well and had the wind behind their backs. They opened their account for the first half with a great mail try by the forwards with RJ Greenlee going over to make it 27-0. Portadown finished the scoring off with a try from centre Marshall Clint and that’s how the game finished. The score Portadown 34-0 Donaghadee.
Portadown take on Coleraine away this Saturday the 21st of January.
Portadown 2nd XV vs Queens 3rd XV
Portadown hosted Queens University for the first time this season with both teams having to battle the elements first before they could focus on the opposition. The blues fielded a young and exciting team sure to play free flowing rugby if the conditions would allow. Portadown dominated both the lineout and the scrum but just as weeks previous failed to convert pressure into points. Queens struck first early on playing off Portadown’s mistake and were the more clinical of the 2 teams when the opportunity presented itself. With the set piece platform to play off the blues were able to strike back with Jack Turkington making the break and Jack Orr touching down underneath the posts. Despite spending a majority of the game camped in their oppositions 22 Portadown were unable to get over the finish line and see the game out which finished 12-7 to Queens. Portadown missed some experience and clinical finishing but will be sure to target the away fixture to Queens later on in the season.
Banbridge Women’s 1st XV vs Portadown Ladies 1st XV
Portadown Ladies travelled to Banbridge for the their first meeting this Sunday.
Both sides were up to the challenge even in chilly conditions.
Banbridge were very keen to show their worth and managed break through the Portadown defensive line early into the first half. Not to be deterred, some heavy carries were made by Jennifer McCall and unfortunately Portadown were stopped short of the try line. In what would be a very physical match, Banbridge put pressure on the Portadown scrum and were able to add to the scoreboard once again.
Diana Marks, in her first game back from injury, made lots of ground down the wing, however, Banbridge were quick to defend and did not allow Portadown to convert those breaks into points. They continued to capitalise on Portadown mistakes and once again added to their score 17-0.
Not to be deterred, Portadown continued to put pressure on Banbridge and maintained great periods of defence throughout the game. Unfortunately it was not to be, and Banbridge were able to add to their score with pressure on Portadown, a break down the wing, and a final try under the posts, bringing the final score to 36-0.
With a number of players returning from long term injuries, Portadown fought hard, it unfortunately was just not their day.
They will be in action against Queens 2 at home on 29th January.
Portadown Girls and Boys Academy
The U18s took on a very strong Virginia side at home on Saturday hoping for a first win off the season. Playing in very tricky conditions the large Virginia pack dominated most of the exchanges. Lewis McCullough was unlucky not to score for the young ports, being held up over the line. Stand out performers on the day in attack and defence were from Jack Graham and Harry McCullough. Final score 0-40
U16 also lost in a tightly fought game against a strong Virginia team. This is the youth’s first season back in the top flight of Ulster Youth league and having only lost their second game they take heart that they have been performing well. The first half was close with Virginia leading by 2 tries. In the second half Portadown scored and Virginia scored. It was only in the later part of the game the fitness and strength of Virginia told leaving them winners 30 point to 10.
Our Youth Girls Academy had a busy weekend watching and playing rugby. On Saturday we went to lend our support to the #UlsterRugby Women’s team where many of the girls saw what they are learning on a training pitch every Tuesday night put into practice by some talented women. Then on Sunday our U14 joint team with Lurgan and U16 joint team with Omagh were in action, with two tough games against Cooke RFC and Virginia RFC. Whilst the scores didn’t go our way, the smiling faces and camaraderie that the girls share was great to see and we’ll take the lessons learnt into our next games. Would your daughter like to give rugby a go? P6 – 18 years old girls welcome Every Tuesday @ 6.30 Chambers Park
Portadown College
Both our teams lost against Regent House yesterday in Newtownards. The 1st XV played out a close encounter against a well drilled Regent side. There was little to sperate both sides, with Regent edging it in the final ten minutes with two scores. The 2nd XV, missing quite a few players, battled bravely against a more physical Regent team. Well done to all who took the field, and thank you to those who travelled to support the teams.
The College team scored three trues with Josh Herron scoring twice And Bobby Newell one. John Speers scored with a conversion kick.
Upcoming Fixtures
Portadown 1st XV travel to Coleraine this Saturday the 21st January. Kick off at 2:30pm.
