Telford Park   Kick Off   2.30 pm

Newry 6 – 7 Portadown

Many a Portadown side have floundered on the rock that is Newry’s mud bath of a
pitch but the 5XV were keen to complete the double over their Telford park rivals
having beaten them in the opening fixture of the season.

The going was predictably tough on the heavy pitch, with Newry getting to grips with
the conditions quicker than the visitors. Most of the first half play took place in
the Portadown 22 but wave after wave of Newry attack was repelled by an impressive
defence. Big front up tackles and turnovers at key moments made sure Newry didn’t
manage to cross the whitewash. A harsh penalty however allowed the home side to take
the minimum 3-0 lead into half time.

Some frank exchanges at the break left the Blues in no doubt as to what was needed
for the next forty minutes. Work-rate was key and Portadown needed to lift it.
Talking is all well and good but it took another penalty from Newry – which put them
into a 6-0 lead – to really spur the visitors into action. The pack are due immense
credit for getting to grips with the conditions and bringing the game to the home
side. Strong running from Ryan Hazley and Matt Graham gave Portadown momentum and
suddenly the backs were able to work off a solid platform of possession with Garth
Durrans and John Marrion punching holes every time they received the ball. The all-
important score was tantalisingly close but proving elusive, Alan Kilpatrick
thinking he had done enough only for the ref to deem it held up. From the resulting
play however big back row forward Gary Holloway powered over the line for the
crucial try. Converted, it put The Blues in the lead for the first
time in the match. 6-7. When trying to protect a lead, there’s no better man to
have in your side than John Marrion, putting his body on the line time and time
again to push Newry back. He was ably assisted by Garth Durrans in the centre and
Simon Carey in the pack as the Blues closed out the game. Final Score 6-7.

It was heartening to see the Blues come through such a tight game, especially in the
face of cry-offs and injuries. Key men on the day were Matt Graham and Gary Holloway
in the pack and John Marrion in the centre. Best wishes to Jonathan Richie who
damaged his shoulder during the game and faces a few weeks on the sidelines. Next up
for the Blues is a local derby grudge match against Armagh 3’s at home on Sat
20th.

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