The two bottom clubs in Division Three had their fates already sealed prior to kick off for their final league game at Chambers Park. Portadown had an outside chance of avoiding the play off situation while Carlow had been staring at relegation during the last month of the season. A ninety point target against Carlow may have just been enough to save Portadown but Naas needed to fall by the way side in their closing contest against Connemara.
Although Portadown bagged the winning bonus point from their six try haul Carlow too managed a try and penalty leaving the situation at the bottom of the league remaining unchanged at full time.
Carlow battled stubbornly for much of the game falling behind narrowly 13-3 at the half way stage. Centre Dave Whitten set the home side off to a flying start with an early try converted by his mid field partner Craig Woods who went on to kick two penalties late in the opening spell. For the visitors who showed spirit throughout full back Richard Whyte landed a penalty to keep the contest alive going into the second half .
Home back row forward Stuart Douglas broke through for a promising run on the restart only to loose possession over the Carlow line but Woods soon turned the pressure into points from his third penalty. Whitten then produced another decisive run into the opposition defence for his second try converted again by Woods.
Carlow visibly tired in the closing twenty minutes as Portadown found ample space in midfield to mount non stop pressure . Replacement out half Sonny Gaye showed delight in running clear for a further try thanks to a kind bounce of the ball while back row forward Alistair Scott faced little opposition for try number four .
In the closing ten minute spell Woods dominated the game with his pace causing problems for Carlow as two fine individual touchdowns eventually wrapped it all up for the home side. Woods ended the game with a twenty seven points haul to his credit from four conversions two tries and three penalties.
For Portadown there is a bigger challenge ahead at Chambers Park on Saturday 24th April when most likely they will face City of Derry to decide which Ulster club will go into All Ireland Division Three for next season.
