Portadown RFC I XV advance to the quarter finals of the Ulster Rugby Millar McCall Wylie Junior Cup in a fascinating game characterised by a ferocious desire on the part of both teams to win this encounter. Portadown won the game comprehensively although Bangor lived up to their credentials as major contenders. A very very substantial crowd had assembled on a day which saw all 3 senior sides fielded at Bangor RFC in 3 vital games each of major significance to the clubs ultimate progression.
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Portadown RFC on the other hand were away from home and with everyone backing Bangor as they have been this season so far were in fighting form in what was a very very physical game. Gribbens talents were never in doubt, and stepping up from the IV XV he scored an absolutely magic try that saw him find the space from 5-7 metres out and running a line that was a combination of agility and speed that was mesmerising and the old addage that your as good as your last game was clear, well on Saturday Gribben cut them up!
Bangor were superb in all respects and will be wondering just how the scoreline was so big. They are a very very good side and scoring from an immense maul showed how this team have continued to grow that commitment to each other and the team with one unconquerable fight in side them to cross the whitewash. They switched on completely and had absolutely no fear of Portadowns rightful reputation as a very good side as 2012/13 Q1 champions who were the best side in the round robin last year.
It was a real eye opener to see how both clubs Bangor & Portadown have strengthened big time since last season. As we progress ever more towards the future the strength of clubs like this who can field markedly changed I XVs from one week to the next and draw upon the club legends like Gribben is remarkable and also testament to an awful lot of people working very very hard.
Both teams did not let down their clubs on Saturday – a superb JNR cup encounter and sets up as lots of other games an amazing season to follow
An absolutely superb standard of rugby
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