1st Xv report.

Portadown entertained CIYMS at a rain sodden Chambers Park on Saturday in what

proved to be a tough encounter. Both teams started brightly showing their intent to
try play attacking rugby irrespective of the conditions. Despite having the better of
the early exchanges, it was the visitors who registered the first try when their
impressive open side flank broke from half way and ran in virtually unopposed. The
resultant conversion was missed. The remainder of the first half was played in the
middle of the park, with neither team creating any real chances. Second half began
and Portadown began to assert their dominance. Out half Chris Cousens kicking two
long range penalties to give the home side the lead. This seemed to take the sting
out of the visitors and they never threatened the Portadown line again. Cousens
added a converted try having intercepted a loose pass close to the halfway line. He
rounded off a superb second half and man of the match performance with a late
penalty to leave the result 15-5. Best on the day were Cousens, Gary Hall and
Gareth McCoy.

2nd xv report
Portadown 2nds lost out to Virginia on Saturday by 3 points to 0. In very wet conditions it
was difficult to play any expansive rugby. Portadown had a dominant scrum and lineout but
just couldn't get going around the park.
The Portadown backs tried to playing running rugby but the slippery ball made that difficult.
Virginia to be fair to them tried to move the ball as well. The conditions made rugby as a
spectator sport difficult. Constant rain meant knock on for both side. Some times in key
areas of the pitch when a score would have been on.
Virginia miss a couple of penalties early on and Portadown were on their 22 for a long time
in the second half. When Portadown tried to relive the pressure with their kicks the
conditions would not let it travel very far.
Portadown defended very well but with the game locked at 0-0 with fifteen minutes to go
Virginia got a penalty in front of the Portadown post and slotted it over. Portadown lifted their
game but just couldn't get over the Virginia line, it was just one of those days. Johnny
Hampton was awarded man of the match.

3rd xv report

Portadown 3s secured another win on the road to queens 3s. In awful

conditions in Belfast the 3s found themselves a converted try down within
the first few minutes. In fact for the first 20 minutes Portadown struggled
to get into the game, but from then on they started to get on top. First
Stan Hamilton kicking a penalty, then Geoff Caldwell going over for a try
just before halftime as the Portadown pressure turned into points. The 2nd
half started in the same vein as the first half finished. Early pressure and a
well worked lineout saw captain Keith Boyce get over for a try, soon
followed by good hands in difficult conditions for young promising backrow

Michael Gill scoring on his debut for the 3s in the corner. Stan Hamilton
having a good day with boot converted all 3 tries all from difficult angles.
24 - 7 and at this stage Portadown went back to how they started the
game letting queens play their brand of rugby and didn't get another
chance in the final 20 minutes to get the bonus point try. Special mention
to Stuart Lyness and David Cornett who both had strong games in defence
and attack, but man of the match goes to Chris Dunn. Final score 24 - 7

U16 report