U13’S WIN AGAIN!! Under 13 Cup Match Report
2nd November 2013
Rainey 0 : 30 Portadown
With only a few players unavailable for selection this week we were able to field a strong team, at least on paper.
However, the dynamics of the 22 man squad had not been game tested due the weekly chopping and changing due to schools rugby commitments.
The weather was foul and after the long bus journey to Magherafelt the boys started their match on a pitch with a lot of surface water.
Nevertheless, they showed their intent early on and quickly moved into the opposition half.
Portadown enjoyed both territorial and possession advantage for most of the game . They converted these advantages with 4 tries in the first half and two in the second without reply from Rainey.
Portadown dominated Rainey’s inexperienced front row. Any scrum was an opportunity for Portadown to set up an attack or regain possession.
The forwards looked to run with ball in hand, with some marauding runs and they put the first couple of tries onto the scoreboard.
However, Rainey didn’t step back and Portadown had to look to their back line to stretch the Rainey defence and it was the back three that were rewarded with a number of tries. Brent Magwood on the left wing came close on a number of occasions before getting his first try of the season, before having to be replaced after taking a knock to the head. Peter Davison in at 15 supported the backline attacks also got a try. Unfortunately he also had to be replaced due to a hand injury.
After the interval Portadown coped well with the changes in personnel due to the injuries and some changes to switch a greater focus of the attacks onto both flanks.
Starting at number 9 Drew Flack moved in the centre and enjoyed this freedom, making numerous runs before releasing the back three.
Brandon Gribben excelled at kicking from the hand to gain territory and prode Rainey OB defence. One kick across field into corner of the 22 showed great vision and was chased down and carried over for a try by Luc Anderson.
As the game progressed Portadown gained in confidence and that resulted in both positive and not so good outcomes. At present a simple style suits the boys style of play as they all still have to master all the basics of the game.
Out of the 6 tries there were 5 different players getting their name on the score sheet, including
Scott McDowell x 2
Ryan Neill
Luc Anderson
Peter Davison
Brent Magwood
showing that it was indeed a team effort.
Indeed after the game the referee praised the Portadown players rugby and attitude.
Hopefully, the boys will continue their hard work at training and apply that during their up coming fixtures.
Training as usual this week before the trip to Dublin on Saturday for the Ireland v Samoa game.
