“very good game, as they are all now fiercely competitive. Close game with Sperrin camped on the Portadown line for the last 20 minutes and a close scoreline! Portadown deserved the victory but well done Sperrin”
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Portadown V Sperrin medallion shield 3rd rd 15-10
Oh so close for Sperrin Integrated who carried the underdog tag with relish on a bright but bitterly cold January afternoon. Portadown College where the more experienced side having played saturday morning school’s rugby for the last 3 years and were typically well drilled and prepared. Despite this Sperrin where not overawed by the occasion despite a slow start when they tried to run out of defence and knocked on. From the scrum close to the Sperrin line the impressive Portadown number 8 forced his way over. For the next ten minutes both teams battled hard and created a number of chances but it was Sperrin flanker Sam White who successfully kicked a penalty in front of the posts after some sustained pressure on the Portadown line. Portadown went straight back on the attack and finished the half with a 10-3 lead when their talented centre caught the ball from a loose defensive kick from Sperrin’s full-back and ran 35m to score out wide in the corner. Again the difficult conversion was missed.
After the break the Sperrin team with the slight wind at their backs quickly drew level when Luke Hilman drove over the Portadown line to score after strong work from Sperrin’s forwards. Portadown again bounced back with the best move off the match with play sweeping from side to side until eventually they went over out wide in the corner. With the conversion missed Portadown now held a slender lead of 15-10. For the next 15 minutes it was all Sperrin who were encamped deep in the Portadown half and threatened to score on numerous occasions. Credit must go to the brave and well organised Portadown defence who stood firm throughout this barrage to ensure a hard fought victory. Well done Portadown and good luck in the next round
InTouch TV highlights to follow
