Archive for the ‘U17s Fixtures’ Category

Portadown U17’s continued their cup campaign with an away game at Larne and produced an excellent exhibition of free flowing rugby. From the kick off Portadown were in total control of what turned out to be a very one sided affair. Strong forward play set up fast back play and the one positive Larne could take from this game was that their defence was well tested and largely effective, had it not been this game would’ve had a cricket score.

As it was Larne offered little going forward and Portadown took advantage with six good tries. The first came from Luke Montgomery breaking from the base of a scrum and running powerfully down the blindside for an easy score. After only 15 minutes Portadown showed their superior strength up front to power over for Stuart Lyness to touchdown under the posts. An excellent solo run from strong centre Matthew Beale saw him cut a beautiful line through the Larne defence on the halfway line and speed away for the score of the game on 23 minutes. From a penalty kicked into the corner a catch and drive resulted in Luke Montgomery touching down his second of the game on 28 minutes. Half time 24-0
For the second half a couple of changes were made and younger players were given a run out, they didn’t disappoint. Standing out were back row duo Graham Currie and Caleb Montgomery (younger brother of the influential Luke) who were clearly trying to impress the coaches and succeeded in doing so. From a 5 metre scrum Graham Currie picked up and went blind giving the covering defender no change of a tackle for a very nice try. Although totally dominant no more scores were forthcoming until the last minute when Caleb Montgomery showed his strength and topped off a fine performance with a score in the corner. An off day with the boot for out half Robbie Thompson resulted in him converting only two scores but a convincing 34-0 victory sets the scene for a winner takes all confrontation next weekend against unbeaten Clogher Valley (away) in the last match of the group stage of the U 17 Cup 

Portadown U17’s began their cup campaign with a very impressive opening 20 minutes against Randalstown.  Having started with some excellent high tempo play Portadown were executing their game plan to perfection and after only 5 mins great play from the pack released the backs who moved the ball wide where winger Jordan Blakely beat two defenders before touching down under the posts. In the absence of a regular kicker, due to holidays, a kicking contest at training, gave the honours to prop forward Jordan Fiddes who slotted over the conversion with ease.

 After the kick off Portadown’s domination resumed with effective pick and drive plays paying off and the back line penetrating the Randalstown defence piling on constant pressure. It was from good close quarter play from the pack that released the backs on 15 mins and the ball was worked wide to winger Jordan Blakely once again who showed the opposition a clean pair of heals to score his second. A much harder conversion this time was only narrowly missed. 12-0 After the restart more Portadown pressure resulted in a penalty on the halfway line and a super kick into the corner created a great attacking line out from with a catch and drive gave the always impressive Luke Montgomery the easy task of touching down in the corner. The touchline conversion, daunting for any seasoned kicker was made look ease by prop Jordan Fiddes who split the uprights dead centre giving the home side a very commanding 19-0 lead.

Having played text book rugby for 20 mins and conducted the game plan to the letter it’s a mystery to the coaches why the team decided that a different approach would prove more fruitful and that single isolated runners might produce more scores -however that’s exactly what they proceeded to do and no more scores came in the first half.
There were very few positives to take from the second half and a harsh lesson to be learnt, namely that if your game plan is working then don’t change it. Portadown struggled to show any sign of the continuity they had shown in the first 20 mins and allowed Randalstown back into a game which had been so one sided.

 On the back foot now, Portadown’s defence was sucked into the breakdown and when the ball came free they were outnumbered in the backs and Randalstown ran in a good score under the posts which was converted, narrowing the score to 19-7. There was no sign now of the unity within the Portadown team and 4 changes were made to try and bond the team again. Randalstown now with their tails up were proving a much tougher opposition and their pressure produced another score with the conversion missed leaving a 19-12 scoreline in Portadown’s favour

This was the last play and the long post-mortem could begin however it was a win in the cup and the result was ultimately more important than the display. However Coaches David Mc Master & Ian Cooke now have to impress upon the team the importance of discipline and sticking to the game plan because there will be a lot harder matches in store .With several key players due to return there’s surely better to come.
 Team: J. Fiddes, S. Coll, M. Davison, R. Stevenson, J. Herron, A. McAlinden, S. Lyness, L. Montgomery, D. Leckey, J. White, K. Anderson, T. Reid, M. Beale, J. Blakely, D. Conn. Subs L. Pearson, G. Liggett, K. Corr, A. Runnett, D. McKeever

On Saturday the team take a break from the cup-something that will do no harm as it allows an opportunity for some of the fringe players to play & stake a claim for inclusion when the cup resumes next Saturday with an away trip to Clogher Valley- when the host Ballymena in an 11.00 kick off.

Saturday proved a real test of character for the under 17 squad having learned two days before that the league title had been taken away from them when the Ulster branch decided that due to time restrictions they would call a halt to youth leagues with current standings decreed to be the final League placings. Portadown had matches postponed due to the recent bad weather and thus, although being in pole position to win the league, came away empty handed having played less games than other teams in the mix.

Although deemed a friendly match it would have been one of the remaining games in the U17 Premier League which was not played due to weather and the team approached it as if it was a league game. From the kick off you could see that Portadown were up for this one with constant pressure from the forwards creating a great platform for the backs to attack. Within 10 minutes the Banbridge back line were caught off side 30 meters out in centre field and out half Robbie Thompson stepped up to slot the kick over for 3 points. Portadown were always in control of this game and a strong pack was making life very hard for Banbridge. Good forward pressure from Portadown saw the ball worked wide and when Ulster U18 back row, Luke Montgomery, popped up on the wing a score in the corner was inevitable and he crossed untouched leaving Portadown leading 10-0 at the break
The second half started in much the same vein as the first with Portadown on the attack and Banbridge were very lucky to keep the score down in this one. Firstly Stuart Lynnes touched down but the ref said he couldn’t see the ball clearly being touched down so he deemed it “held up” Then Luke Montgomery was hit hard by a super try saving tackle whilst going over the line for what looked to be a sure try. Next it was the turn of flying winger Kenny Anderson who stormed past flailing Banbridge defenders handing off several before touching down in the corner. Unfortunately he injured himself in the process thus ending his game. However even worse news  was to follow, as adding insult to injury, the Banbridge touch judge claimed a mysterious foot in touch to rule out the score!

Having not played for 6 weeks the rust was well and truly shaken off now and Luke Montgomery was really stamping his authority on the game. He picked up from the base of a scrum on the 22 and raced in field cutting through the Banbridge line and once more only a fantastic tackle on the line denied him and forced a knock on. Montgomery wouldn’t be denied for long though and a short time later from a carbon copy scrum on the 22 he again picked up but this time went blind and with only 2 defenders in front of him it was never going to be enough of a defence to stop him and he scored his second in the corner. Robbie Thompson struck another lovely conversion from the touch line only to see it skim the top of the post and wide. The game now was over as a contest and when Portadown were given a penalty 40 meters out a confident Thompson asked for a strike at goal and duly added another 3 points with a wonderfully struck kick leaving Portadown as 18-0 winners

This result in no ways makes up for the disappointment felt by the team as a result of the Ulster Branch’s decision to suddenly terminate the league leaving Portadown’s youngsters in third place with matches in hand over the two teams who finished above them. However it was a statement of intent as the players now concentrate their efforts on the cup which begins on 13 February.
Team: R. Morton, S. Coll, J. Fiddes, A, McAlinden, J. Herron, M. Davison, S, Lyness, L. Montgomery, T. Reid, K. Anderson, R. Thompson, C. Fyffe, J. White, J. Bleakly, D. Conn. Subs M. Beale, D. McKeever
 

This Saturday the U 17s play Dromore at Chambers Park-kick off 11.00a.m.

With several players missing from key positions Portadown travelled to second placed Ballynahinch knowing their title credentials  would be challenged in a tough game and that’s exactly what they got.

From the kick off  Hinch made their intentions clear with their well drilled pack keeping the ball tight and making a yard at a time before setting up a platform for their backs to launch attacks. Portadown absorbed the early  pressure well and the game settled into a tough tit for tat played in the middle third of the pitch.

The first points came after twenty minutes when Portadown were deemed offside thirty yards out and the conceded penalty was slotted over by the home team outhalf. Five minutes later with their tails up Hinch attacked down the right flank and managed to breach the Portadown defence to score under the posts making the conversion a formality. To their credit the Portadown boys fought back and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and captain Craig Fyffe made the correct decision to kick for the three points on offer himself. There was still time for Hinch to launch another attack and an unfortunate clash between two Portadown players trying to make the same tackle allowed the opposing hooker to break free and run in another score leaving the half time score 17-3

The changes made at half time ensured Portadown looked a better side. They were playing for each other and putting pressure on Hinch who to their credit defended very well despite being kept under constant pressure by a rejuvenated Portadown side through out the whole of the half.  The hosts defence held firm and No points came in the second period despite Portadown being on top through out.leaving Ballynahinch as 17- 3 winners which also means Hinch are now favourites to emerge as the League winners
 
Team:- R. Morton, S. Coll, J. Fiddes, J. Herron, R. Stevenson, A. McAlinden, Luke Montgomery, S. Lyness, D. Leckey, R. Thompson, L. Pearson, C. Fyffe, T. Reid, K. Anderson, D. Conn. Subs D. McKeever, K. Campbell, C. Corr.

 This Saturday -12 Dec-the team hope to get themselves back on track wjhen they face City of Derry at Chambers Park in an 11 30 kick off

It was a depleted under 17’s side that took the field against Virginia with no fewer than ten cry offs on Friday. Still the guys that played gave it their all and although many were playing out of position they still managed to give the visitors a hard game. Portadown had their first choice front row starting and Virginia came with a young inexperienced front three and as a result the referee decided to “manage” the contest up front and this severely hampered one of Portadown’s strongest assets. The free flowing rugby usually associated with the under 17’s just wasn’t working and a series of dropped passes and knock ons gave Virginia more possession than most opposition get and they used it well. After twenty minutes Virginia broke wide on the right and although some good last ditch defending slowed them down they went over for the first try. With their tails up Virginia were looking stronger and took the game to Portadown who missed several tackles allowing another try to be run in before half time.
After the break Portadown were looking much stronger and pressurised the Virginia line for long periods without breaking through before a breakaway run lead to a third Virginia try leaving the home side trailing 15-0. Much to their credit Portdown stuck to their task with a never say die attitude and they got their reward when promising tight head prop Jordan Fiddes powered over for a deserved try converted by out half Robbie Thompson. This score revitalised the whole team who began to show more of the form they’re known for and when flanker Suart Lyness scored a second try the local lads really believed they could turn this game around. With five minutes remaining a penalty thirty yards out allowed Robbie Thompson to add the tying score. Still looking for the win portadown earned another penalty thirty five yards out but on the angle and a super kick from Thompson was unlucky to strike the post and go wide. Final score 15-15.  Best for Portadown were Craig Fyffe, Aaron McAlinden,  Jordan Fiddes and Stuart Lyness.
 
Team: R. Morton, S. Coll, J. Fiddes, J. Herron, A. Burnett, S. Lyness, A. McAlinden, T. Reid, D. Leckey, R. Thompson, D. McKeever, C. Fyffe, L. Pearson, G. Liggett, D. Conn

This Saturday (12 Dec) the team return to League action when they travel to Ballynahinch.

Saturday offered Portadown U17’s the immediate opportunity to avenge the 20-6 defeat to Malone in the corresponding fixture the previous week and they took it in style. From the kick off Portadown were on top and obviously fired up for this one, they took the game to Malone at every opportunity winning both their own and  Malone’s line out ball through excellent work by Jordan Fiddes, Stuart Lyness, Mathew Davison and Luke Montgomery. When it came to the first scrum Portadown set their stall out early winning the first against the head and it continued that way with the local lads taking four or five of Malone’s put in. The first score came from just such a turn over in the scrum on fifteen minutes. Number 8 Luke Montgomery picked up and powered his way under the posts from twenty yards out making the conversion easy for out half Robbie Thompson. The remainder of the first half was much the same although Portadown failed to capitalise or their supremacy and the score remained 7-0 at the turn.
 Little input was needed from the coaches at halftime as the Portadown youngsters were self motivated in an impressive mature manner and had identified themselves where the scoring opportunities were. The second period began where the first left off and Malone had no answer to Portadown’s dominance. Stealing a Malone throw in at a lineout on the twenty two the strong pack took the ball forward in two phases stretching the Malone defence before blind side flanker Stuart Lyness picked up and crashed over close to the posts, Robbie Thompson added the conversion.

An important lesson came after the restart with Portadown still congratulating themselves Malone struck back moving the ball wide quickly and scoring a try against the run of play and showing focus is needed at all times. This score shook the home side and for the first time they looked slightly nervous. However a carbon copy of the first score settled them again, winning a strike against the feed captain Luke Montgomery picked up and ran in his second score under the posts converted again by Robbie Thompson leaving Portadown as winners with a final score 21-5.

 This week the team face Rainey in the Brewin Dolphin Premier League at Chambers Park in an 11.00 kick off

Portadown under 17s travelled to Belfast on Saturday to take on a strong Malone side not knowing that they were to come away having learned one of the hardest lessons in rugby, even the though the referee is always right, he’s not always right!.
The opening exchanges were a tight affair with Portadown shading it and playing mostlyin the Malone half and it was obvious there would be very little between these two sides. It took 15 minutes before there was a first scoring opportunity and it came in the form of a penalty just outside the Malone twenty two. Craig Fyffe stepped up to take a shot but sliced his kick horribly, the only player following up on both sides was Mathew Davison who dived on the ball over the goal line for a Portadown score, or so everyone thought but to the bewilderment of all watching a twenty two drop out was awarded.

Shortly after this Portadown were awarded another penalty in a similar position which outhalf Robbie Thompson converted giving the Ports  a deserved 3-0 lead. This lead was short lived however as Malone pressed the Portadown defence which stood firm, even when Malone’s big second row crashed over the line Craig Fyffe made a great tackle wrapping up man and ball and taking both down on top of himself, result held up scrum?, no, the referee decided this was a try which Malone then converted.  On the halftime blow another penalty to Malone resulted in a 10-3 lead for the home side.

The second half didn’t get much better for Portadown as the Malone supporters became even more vociferous than they were in the first half ! The Malone team, thriving in the strong support, continued where they had left off  but it was  Portadown who  scored first through another penalty from the boot of Robbie Thompson .  From the kick off Malone went on the attack. However when a Malone player was tackled short of the Portadown line and appeared to knock  on over the line the referee awarded another rather dubious try and that was enough for the local lads, heads went down and so did this game.!

Final score 20-6

This Saturday offers the boys a chance to avenge their defeat as they once again face Malone-this time at Chamber Park inan 11.00 kick off.

The coaches & players are calling for a good turn out to support the team. Last week the Malone support proved very helpful to their team so come on all you locals-GET DOWN TO CHAMBERS PARK AND SUPPORT THE TEAM & CLUB!

On Saturday past Portadown travelled to Magherafelt to set about their task of maintaining their unbeaten record against a much improved Rainey side in the premier league with. Conditions were better suited to kite flying than free flowing rugby and with a gale to their backs the Portadown side struggled to come to terms with the elements during the early exchanges and this resulted in a very scrappy first fifteen minutes where both sides seemed to take turns knocking on and turning over possession. However on the fifteen minute mark the game changed when exciting prospect Jordan Fiddes broke from the base of a ruck on the Rainey twenty two and showed pace a winger would be proud off to score the opening try. This score seemed to settle the Portadown side and they became a much tighter unit with more assured ball handling, solid forward play and excellent ball retention.

The pressure was mounting on a stubborn Rainey defence and when they conceded a penalty ten metres out Portadown captain Luke Montgomery called for a training ground move rather then trying for three points in worsening conditions. His decision proved the right one when the move worked to perfection and man of the match, lock forward Johnny Herron went over untouched for his side’s second try, duly converted by Craig Fyffe. As half time approached Portadown showed great character in maintaining their discipline during a rather fractious period. Indiscipline by Rainey saw the Ports awarded a penalty just inside the Rainey half  & Craig Fyffe stepped up to split the posts with an outstanding strike to further punish Rainey just on the half time blow.

Despite facing a strong wind Portadown started the second half where they left off in the first, taking the game to Rainey, pushing them off their own ball in scrums and dominating lineouts, through the athleticism of locks Aaron Mc Alinden & Johnny Herron. The weather was proving a tougher opponent when it came to moving quick ball when even close passes went astray. Rainey’s attempts using the wind assisted Garryowen proved futile due to the fact that Portadown full back Dale Conn fielded these with great confidence and ran them back with interest. It was one such catch and return that lead to Portadown’s next score when Conn attacked the Rainey back line and only a great tackle stopped him going all the way, however the ball was quickly recycled allowing centre Craig Fyffe to display speed and strength to score out wide, He then stepped up to convert his own try. From the kick off, team captain, Luke Montgomery caught the ball and set off on a run which left a trail of Rainey bodies on the floor before a despairing tackle eventually brought him down. This left Portadown in a good field position and using well drilled forward play the pack moved forward a couple of yards at a time setting up a strike at Rainey’s line when the ball moved wide and hooker Stephen Coll popped up out wide to score in the corner.
All in all a very pleasing result not least as it leaves the young Ports still unbeaten. However the double header against an also unbeaten Malone side will go far to deciding the League outcome. Portadown travel to Belfast on 7th November and then play at home the following week. All support would be gratefully appreciated by the team.

Team:- R. Morton, S. Coll, J. Fiddes, J. Herron, A. McAlinden, S. Lyness, M. Davison, L. Montgomery, T. Reid, D. McKeever, R. Thompson, C. Fyffe, J. White, K. Anderson, D. Conn. subs D. Leckey, B. Jordan-Rafferty

The team have no game this weekend

What promised to be a hard top of the table clash between two of the three unbeaten sides in the premier league ended in a disappointing 49-0 victory for Portadown.  Unfortunately due to a spate of late cry offs Ballynahinch struggled to field a side. However much to their credit they travelled to Chambers Park with 11 players-PRFC “loaned” them 4 players-and fulfilled the fixture.

After only seven minutes Portadown were 10-0 to the good via a Craig Fyffe penalty and a Kenny Anderson try converted by Fyffe. Portadown had started the game in the impressive manner we have become used to seeing with positive forward play setting up the backs to run home the scores. When powerful loose head Robert Morton stormed over for another Portadown try again converted by Fyffe on 10 minutes the writing was well and truly on the wall for ‘hinch and everyone could see it. However at this point Portadown became fifteen individuals as everyone wanted their slice of glory!

 Not even a strong dressing down at half time could rebind the guys who all seemed intent on getting their own name on the score sheet and had lost all interest in a team performance. In patches Portadown used moves from the training ground resulting in six more tries, one a piece for Mathew Davison, Jonny White, Craig Fyffe and a very good score from Dale Conn who impressed at fullback. Teina Reid bagged himself a brace adding to his fantastic run of form, having scored two tries in two games made it four in three games and earned himself the man of the match tag. Craig Fyffe chipped in with another couple of conversions.  Most impressive Portadown players on the day were Teina Reid, Darren Leckey, Ben Jordan-Rafferty, Stuart Lyness and Daire McConville.

It remains to be seen what damage if any this cavalier victory has done to the U17’s unit but with tight games coming up against Rainey and a joint top double header home and away against unbeaten Malone, a lot of hard work will be needed on the training ground to get this team back to playing the tight solid game which could win the premier league title.
 
Once again it was disappointing to see the lack of club support for  these young players many of whom are already showing the potential to play for the club 1 XV.

Despite being without several key players due to Ulster commitments and illness Portadown U 17s put in a very good performance in their match against Carrick-a game which was changed from a league match to a friendly as PRFC had two players from their team on Ulster duty in Cork. This offered a number of players the opportunity of catching the eye of coaches Ian Cooke and David Mc Master and staking a claim for a starting role for the season.

 Robbie Thompson had a fine game at out half with a fine kicking display causing problems for the Carrick defence. He also converted two superb penalties, and was very unlucky with a third which skimmed the upright. Dale Conn was solid at full back and his ability to deal superbly with the high ball forced Carrick into changing their game plan and abandon their kicking game. Man of the match was the outstanding Mathew Davidson. Playing at openside he pressurised the Carrick out half all game and was first to every breakdown. Taking the game to Carrick at every opportunity with quick tap penalties he proved to be a real thorn in the side of the Carrick defence.

Carrick opened the scoring after Portadown were forced to make a blood substitution and replace blindside flanker Stuart Lyness with front rower Ben Jordan-Rafferty. From a scrum on the twenty two the Carrick number eight picked up and ran blind cutting through untouched for a score which was then duly converted.

After this score it was all Portadown and it was only frantic Carrick defending which prevented a touch down. Two impressive penalties were the sum of the Portadown efforts and the referee’s whistle came to the aid of a Carrick side who were more and more under the cosh as the clock ran down.

Final score:  Carrick 7 Portadown 6 

Portadown U 17s: 1.Robert Morton 2. Jason Burns 3. Jordan Fiddes 4. Ryan Stevenson 5. Aarron McAlinden 6. Stuart Lyness 7. Mathew Davidson 8. Stephen Coll 9. Tiena Reid 10. Robbie Thompson 11. Kenny Anderson 12. Johnny White 13. Jordan Bleakley 14. Gareth Liggett 15. Dale Conn 16. Darren Leckey 17. Ben Jordan-Rafferty