Portadown Rugby Club » U17s Fixtures

Youth Training Begins

Youth — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:13:05 +0000

As the new season start draws ever closer all of Portadown Youth squads (Under 13s, 15s 17s & 19s) have resumed training in preparation for their opening matches. The season starts for the Under 17s, coached by Ian Cooke, Gordon Forde & Ronan Quinn & the Under 19s, coached by Darren Thompson & Barry Gribben, with home games against Boyne Rugby RFC (Leinster) on Saturday 21 August.

These games will be part of a festival day of rugby against Boyne starting with the U 17s kicking off at 1.00, followed by the U 19s at 13.00 and culminating with the club 1 XV playing at 15.00.

The Under 13s, coached by Willie Gribben & Matthew Wilson and the Under 15s, coached by Paul Galway & Andrew Matchett start their season on 4 September.

Once again Portadown’s Youth Chairman has issued an invitation for all youth players to attend training at 7.00 each Monday & Thursday night. New players will be made especially welcome.

Portadown field teams in the Ulster Youth Leagues in the following age groups:

Under 13s born 1998; Under 15s born 1996/97; Under 17s born 1994/95 & Under 19s born 1992/93

Ravenhill date for U 17s

Youth — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:10:28 +0000

PRFC’s Under 17s, coached by David Mc Master & Ian Cooke, will play either Malone or Ballymoney in the Brewin Dolphin Cup Final at Ravenhill on Saturday 1st. May

Congratulations & Best wishes to David, Ian & the squad.

U17s through to Brewin Dolphin Cup Final

Youth — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:06:24 +0000

Portadown Under 17’s played Carrick in the Brewin Dolphin cup semi final in a match that proved to be a bruising encounter. Both sides took to the field fired up seeking a place in the show piece U17 final. From the kick off Portadown looked to assert dominance up front and after a settling in period for both sides the young Ports took control. The powerful pack lead by captain, Jordan Fiddes began a series of close pick and drive plays from outside the Carrick 22 yard line forcing frantic defending from the visitors which left a gap close to the line on the blind side and scrum half Darren Leckey took full advantage to cross for the opening score. Out Half Robbie Thompson narrowly missed the difficult conversion.
After some good defending and counter attacking Portadown found themselves on the front foot once more & within striking distance of the Carrick line. After several probes by the back line it was left to the pack to force their way to another score when loose head power house Robert Morton broke a tackle and with the help of his fellow forwards drove the Carrick defence back across their own line for another scoreto extend Portadown’s lead to 10-0.
Carrick didn’t make it this far by lying down and took the game to Portadown from the restart forcing some great defence which became a little too exuberant 20 yards out when the back line were deemed off side and a well struck penalty gave Carrick a life line just before half time. 10-3
Portadown were but were slow into their stride on the restart & handed the momentum to Carrick who were giving their all. Some good defending and hard hits at the break down were keeping Carrick at bay. However when Portadown over committed at a ruck inside their own 22 slick handling by the Carrick backs their inside centre to take advantage and score under the posts making the conversion a formality to level the match10-10
With renewed determination Portadown once more pressed hard and were awarded a penalty 30 yards from goal, easily kickable for outhalf Robbie Thompson but instead he opted to kick for position winning a line out on the Carrick 5 metre line showing the belief this young side has in itself. From the resulting line out a great catch and drive powered forward and No8 Luke Montgomery touched down for his customary score to which Robbie Thompson added the extras. 17-10
The next 10 minutes were played in mid field with both teams looking for the gaps and it was Portadown who eventually found one, when some great handling from the back line moving the ball quickly created a 2 on 1 over lap and when winger Johnny White was offered a clear field the result was never in doubt and he duly scored under the posts leaving Thompson the easiest of conversions. 24-10
Carrick were out on their feet by now but Portadown weren’t finished just yet, after fielding the restart and setting up a ruck the ball was worked out to man of the match Jordan Fiddes popping up amongst the backs and showing pace seldom seen in a front rower he powered his way past several despairing tacklers eventually off loading one handed to winger Johnny White who unopposed ran in for his second touch down in the corner in the last minute of the game. 29-10 Final

This was a very pleasing result for coaches Davy McMaster, Karl Gale and Ian Cooke who have worked hard with this young side over the past two seasons and have seen that work rewarded with a place in the Brewin Dolphin Under 17s cup final. (Date & venue to be advised)

Team: R.Morton, S.Coll, J.Fiddes, J.Herron, A.McAlinden, M.Davison, S.Lyness, L.Montgomery, D.Leckey, R.Thompson, K.Anderson, T.Reid, M.Beale, J.White, D.Conn. Subs: R. Stevenson, J.Burns, A.Runnet, D.McKeever, G.Liggett, B.Jordan-Rafferty

U 17s defeat Southern visitors

Youth — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:35:28 +0000

In a warm up for their cup semi final Portadown U17s played a friendly match against high riding Dundalk from the Leinster league and it proved to be a tough test-just what coaches David Mc Master & Ian Cooke wanted before this weekend’s semi final against Carrick.

Portadown found themselves in the unfamiliar position of going behind twice in a game but good team work enabled them to come back strongly both times.

Dundalk opened the scoring with some quick passing along their back line which saw their winger touch down in the corner for an opening try. The Portadown response was quick and a mirror image of the Dundalk score with Jordan Blakley scoring a super try out wide. Out half Robbie Thompson added the extra points to give the hosts a 7-5 lead.

In the second half Dundalk started the better again and touched down for their second unconverted score to lead 10-7. As the game became more stretched Portadown’s strength up front began to tell and captain Jordan Fiddes powered his way over to give his team the lead once again. This time Portadown didn’t slacken off and took control of the game probing for another score and it came when Fiddes popped up again in the back line to cross untouched for his second try. Out half Thompson added the extra points with a great strike to leave the final score 19-10 in Portadown’s favour.

The win will help the squad’s confidence before this Saturday’s Brewin Dolphin Cup semi final game against Carrick at Chambers Park-kick off is at 11.00.

Coaches David Mc Master & Ian Cooke are hoping for a good turn out of parents, family friends and club members to give the players plenty of vocal support as they strive to reach a first ever Ulster final.

U 17s through to Brewin Dolphin Cup Semi Final

Youth — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:32:15 +0000

Portadown faced local rivals Banbridge at Rifle Park in the Brewin Dolphin U 17 cup quarter final. The match was played in very windy conditions and almost entirely in one third of the pitch.

Portadown took full advantage through a try by wing Dale Conn.,converted by out half Robbie Thompson. Portadown then stretched their lead to 10-0 with a well struck penalty by out half Thompson.

In the second half the Portadown defence was tested to the full and it held strong until late in the game when Banbridge managed a consolation try to leave the final score 10-5 in Portadown’s favour.

Portadown now face Carrick in the semi final. The match will be played at Chambers Park, kick off 11.00, on Saturday 10 April.

U 17s fine cup win against Clogher Valley

Youth — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:00:21 +0000

Saturday’s much anticipated clash between last year’s finalists lived up to all the expectations. Clogher Valley were the victors in last season’s final so Portadown needed little more motivation than that. The winners of this game would win their group and progress to the premier cup competition quarter finals and so the stage was set.
Clogher started the stronger and worked the first scoring opportunity after 5 minutes, a penalty 25 metres out which their out half slotted home 3-0. That score seemed to spur on the Portadown side and their rewards came on 11 minutes when awarded a penalty 10 metres out the decision was made by captain Jordan Fiddes to run a training ground move rather than having a kick at goal. Running the move to perfection second row Johnny Herron powered over for a super score converted by out half Robbie Thompson 3-7. There was very little between the two sides at this stage and both defences were being fully tested. It was Clogher who made the breakthrough on 28 minutes when the Portadown backs were sucked into the breakdown and quick ball allowed Clogher’s centre to score under the posts leaving an easy conversion to give the home side a10-7 lead. Portadown hadn’t regrouped when they were drawn offside after the kick off allowing the hosts to extend their lead to 13-7. Injury time at the end of the first half seemed to last a strangely long time, too long for Portadown who gave away yet another kickable penalty which Clogher took advantage of. Halftime score 16-7
The opening minutes of the second half were cagey and neither side were taking hold of the game but on 44 minutes Portadown won a lineout on the twenty two a catch and drive worked superbly with the pack driving Clogher over their own line and Luke Montgomery scoring to bring Portadown right back into the tie 16-12. Now putting their superior power up front to good use the Portadown pack were piling on the pressure and on 52 minutes when a maul collapsed the ball came back to second row Ryan Stevenson who powered down the blindside beating four defenders on route to scoring the try of the match in the corner. Robbie Thompson complimented this with an equally good conversion making the score 16-19 in the young Ports’ favour. With time running out Clogher tried everything to get back into this game and on 56 minutes they were given a penalty on the twenty two just off centre but the kick was missed and Portadown retained the lead. Moving the ball quickly Portadown made their way down field with some intent and stretching the Clogher defence created an opening for strong prop Robert Morton to score and ease the pressure, Robbie Thompson made sure of the conversion with another quality strike to leave the final score 26-16 in Portadown’s favour.

U 17s win second match in Cup Group

Youth — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 15:26:02 +0000

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

U17 start cup campaign with hard fought win

Youth — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 11:33:27 +0000

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.

U 17s back to winning form

Youth — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:53:00 +0000

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.

U 17s lose to close rivals Ballynahinch

Youth — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 20:22:55 +0000

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