All square between Portadown and Cookstown Portadown 5ths 9 – Cookstown 9
It finished honours even at Chambers Park on Saturday as Cookstown had another tough away fixture against the league leaders Portadown.
The game was played in a competitive spirit throughout as the teams matched each other score for score throughout the 80 minutes. As has been the case so often this season, Cookstown got off to a slow start with Portadown dominating the opening proceedings. They were rewarded with the first points of the contest with a straightforward penalty in front of the posts putting them into an early lead. Cookstown were soon into their stride though with Ciaran Currie pinning the Portadown men in their own 22 with a series of up and unders and kicks to the corner. Paul O’Neill deservedly levelled matters with a penalty and that is how the scores remained at the half time whistle.
The 2nd half followed the pattern of the 1st half with both teams struggling to create any clear cut try scoring opportunities. Cookstown were starting to give away an increasing number of penalties and when the inevitable yellow card arrived, they then lost their captain Kezzy Nugent to another yellow card just a few minutes later. Down to 13 men Cookstown were under pressure but led by Owen Mallon, Marty Boone and Kyle Campton, they were able to keep Portadown at bay during this period. In fact Cookstown drew level with another penalty from Paul O’Neill and when they went back to the full complement, they took the lead through another penalty. However they could not hold on and Portadown levelled matters with the final whistle sounding soon after. Both sides may have felt they could and should have got the victory but a point a piece was probably a fair result.
Director of Rugby Liam Currie cut a frustrated figure during his post-match press conference: “This was a typical see-saw game in challenging underfoot conditions. It was about getting a return out of whatever field position and ball possession you had. Our defence was brilliant and we worked hard to get into attacking positions but indiscipline repeatedly let Portadown off the hook. When we went 9-6 in front it was about holding out but again the penalty count was against us allowing Portadown to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat. We look forward to the return fixture and unlike the past four seasons, hopefully Portadown will fulfil it. Also I’d like to say congratulations to my brother Ciaran on getting the Bobby Boucher award for man of the match. Our Ciaran was a fully deserved winner and the unbiased one man selection committee of myself had no hesitation in giving him the award.”
Cookstown have a break next weekend before starting into the busy month of December. Next up for the team is the first round of the cup on 7th December away to Malone 4ths in what is sure to be a great match between last season’s McCambley Cup finalist and the Butler Shield winners.
