NUTTY KRUST FLOODLIT TOURNAMENT 2013
The first of this year’s semi finals of the U19 Nutty Krust tournament was played on Tuesday night at Chambers park between Portadown and Malone On an evening perfect for rugby the large expectant crowd were served up a game that had everything and will be talked about for along time .
Malone started the proceedings and it was the Belfast side who opened the scoring after 2 mins from the boot of Lorcan McGillan when he converted a penalty from outside the Portadown 22 for offside. Malone continued to press forward looking to increase their lead and had several breaks notably by winger Mark Widdowson and outhalf Lorcan McGillan but were both tackled by the outstanding Ryan Purvis at full back . Portadown began to grow into the game and were awarded a penalty which Niall Davison kicked up field to the Malone 22 . From the lineout big Justin Allen drove over to score the first try of the night with Graeme Currie adding the conversion. Both side’s had chances to score when Malone took a quick tap penalty for off side but the ball was knocked forward when it looked easier to score. Portadown backs had a chance to score on 30 mins when Ryan Purvis was put clear but was held up just short of the line . Graeme Currie had a chance to extend Portadown’s lead on 32 mins with a penalty but his attempt went wide. Just on the stroke of half time Portadown’s no 8 Caleb Montgomery was red carded for a challenge on Malone’s no 9 Conor Henry and Malone were awarded a penalty and Lorcan McGillan’s attempt just fell short leaving the half time score Portadown 7 Malone 3
CLICK HERE for HIGHEST RES PICTURES
& HERE for 350+ InTouch Pictures
With Portadown reduced to 14 men for the whole of the second half Malone went in search of the winning score that would put them into the final ,but whatever the Portadown coaches said at half time to the young players a finer and grittier performance full of commitment and passion was served up for the large crowd . Malone had chances with breaks by Gary Andrews and Lorcan McGillan but the Portadown defence held firm , Malone did reduce the arrears to a point when Lorcan McGillan slotted over a penalty to make the score 7-6 to Portadown . As the half went on the 14 lads of Portadown moved up field and had chances to score when Ryan Purvis nearly finished off a move in the left hand corner but again was held up just short of the line . Malone’s no 14 Mark Widdowson was yellow carded late in the game and sat out the remainder of play . Portadown’s 14 lads held on to the final whistle to win a nail biting contest and a display which showed courage , spirit and heart .
Portadown are through to next weeks Final which is on Tuesday 30th April kick off 7.45pm were they will play the winners of Ballynahinch V Banbridge.
Man of the Match was awarded to Portadown’s no 15 Ryan Purvis which was presented by Sid Rowe Portadown’s Youth Committee member /Referee
Next Match is Banbridge v Ballynahinch Wednesday 24th April kick off 7.45pm
