Wednesday night saw Match Seven of the first round games take place in this years Nutty Krust Floodlit Tournament at Chambers Park . This was the much anticipated local derby bringing together Portadown U19s v Lurgan U19s
CLICK HERE for high res shots from Tony Hendron
CLICK HERE for shots from intouch
Both teams served up what turned out to be the best game to date of the tournament to date with no quarters given by both sides. Portadown kicked off the game on a heavy and muddy pitch and it was Lurgan who started with the early pressure , but the Portadown forwards stated to show their dominance in both the scrums and lineouts . Graeme Currie had a chance to open the scoring on 8 mins with a penalty but his attempt fell short. Portadown opened the scoring on 15mins when the Lurgan midfield rushed up and a crash ball from Niall Davison to Graeme Currie leaving him to run in and score in the corner. The conversion attempt was just wide . Portadown continued to dominate the first half with the forwards forcing Lurgan back with the driving maul making 20-30 yards at a time . Graeme Currie had another chance to increase the lead with a penalty attempt in injury time in the first half but again his attempt was wide. The half time score was 5-0 to Portadown
The second half continued as the first half finished with Portadown on the front foot and a further score was added from a ruck when Caleb Montgomery went over to score . Niall Davison’s attempt for the conversion was missed . Lurgan had a chance to reduce the arrears with a penalty attempt but the chance went begging as Jamie Clarkes attempt was wide. Portadown’s no 8 Caleb Montgomery then increased the lead with a further score and the extra points were added by Graeme Currie . 17-0 to Portadown .Portadown’s final score of the night came from Caleb Montgomery after a well rehearsed line out take by Ross Purvis and drive by the forwards to push over the Lurgan line .The conversion attempt was missed. Lurgan to their credit did not lie down and the final 10 mins of the game saw them come more into the game and they opened their account with Matthew Johnston scoring in the corner after a break from the Portadown 22. The conversion attempt went wide.Lurgan continued to fight till the end and after a tap penalty Dean Wilson went over to score Lurgans second try of the night . Final Score Portadown 22 Lurgan 10.
Man of the Match Award was a difficult decision but it was given to Gareth Reid who having had his split insisted on playing . This was presented to him By Ulster Branch representative Bobby Stewart.
Also in attendance at the game on Wednesday night was Paddy McCalister and Alan Clarke Ulster Branch Elite Performance Player.
Next Match is on Wed 27th March Dungannon V Enniskillen ko 7.45pm
