The 5ths started the defence of their Butler Shield title with a home tie against Ballymoney 5ths. The Ballymoney side were very seasoned campaigners and it was a very physical forward battle throughout. Portadown opened the scoring through a well slotted penalty by Ryan Duffy early in the first half.
Ballymoney were then camped in the Portadown half for 15 minutes and were intent on utilising their pick and drive game but the blues defence was excellent and could not be breached.
Portadown cleared their lines and put their opponents under severe pressure in their own 22 before Andrew “Matchiano” Matchett dropped back into the pocket and coolly dropped a goal from at least 35 metres.
From the re-start Portadown managed to retain some good ball and scrum half Reece Brown put in an exquisite box kick which has won by 5ths debutant centre Rab R who sprinted from just inside the Ballymoney half to score close to the posts. Ryan Duffy again slotted the conversion.
That brought the first half to a close and Ballymoney stepped up their game another gear and goaled a penalty early in the second period.
Portadown were under the cosh and held Ballymoney out on a number of occasions before they finally crossed the home line for a converted try.
Portadown then went on the offensive and were very unlucky not to stretch their lead but they just could not get across the Ballymoney line after several sorties into the visitors 22.
Ballymoney kicked another penalty with 10 minutes to go to leave the score 13-10.
Ballymoney broke through and an excellent last ditch Conor Creaney tackle stopped a certain try. Ballymoney threw everything they had to try to get the winning score but Portadown turned over a ruck through Richie Johnston and Simon Lappin got the ball off the park to seal the Portadown win.
It was an excellent victory with the pack working hard throughout. Best on the day were Richie Johnston and Simon Lappin with Reece Brown also having a great game.
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