Friends School Lisburn Medallion XV travelled to Portadown College for their final game before the next round of the Medallion Shield. Missing 5 players from the previous match against Campbell College, the Friends coaching staff were interested to see how the side would perform with players covering out of position.
CLICK HERE FOR THE SHOTS
The game started as a contest from the off, both teams committed well in the breakdown area and both sides made their tackles , it was not until the 22 minute mark when Friends fullback, Rian McGoldrick made a break and offloaded to centre Ryan Hall who scored just wide of the posts, conversion was missed, 0 -5
Friends claimed the restart but failed to get out of their half, a lapse in defence saw Portadown equalise the score, the conversion was missed making the halftime score 5 – 5.
The second half started with Friends dominating play but conceding a penalty which was kicked 8- 5.
Some 3 minutes later Friends fullback McGoldrick made his way again through the home defence with supporting Hall, McGoldrick gave a well timed pass and Hall forced his way through the defence to score , converted by James Maxwell, 8 – 12.
Some 11 minutes later after a great Friends scrum McGoldrick went over for his own try 8 – 17.
After a stoppage in play Portadown generated a well worked try 13 – 17.
In the closing moments of the game the Friends defence relaxed and Portadown made the best of this with a converted try ma\king the final score 20 -17 for the home side.
A very entertaining game in which Friends controlled the play however a lesson was learnt form the relaxing of the defence.
