A problem shared is a problem halved, when Portadown and Lurgan struggled for numbers to fulfill U16 fixtures, the two great clubs joined forces to field a joint U16 team for the remainder of the season. They had their first outing on Saturday against Ballynahinch and although the result didn’t go their way, it was a positive step forward as the players take time to gel with each other.
Last week Portadown and Lurgan hosted a touring Stockholm U14 side. The local clubs joined forces to put on a fantastic weekend of rugby which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who took part. New friendships were set and old ones reignited. Special thanks must go to everyone involved in making this wonderful weekend happen.
WEEKEND RESULTS
Lurgan Seniors had a weekend off, but the Lurgan Tigers hosted a festival with Cooke and Banbridge, while the U12 were away to Larne.
Portadown 1XV travelled to Shaws Bridge to take on Cooke in the league. This proved a thrilling contest, Portadown were down 12-0 in the opening few minutes, before they switched on. Both sides traded scores with Cooke eventually closing the game at 34-31 but Portadown earned 2 valuable bonus points to keep their league campaign on track.
Portadown 3XV hosted Limavady at Chambers Park powering past the visitors 29-19.
Portadown Senior Women XV were due to host North Down at Chambers Park in the league, however North Down we’re unable to field a team having suffered several injuries over the last few weeks.
Portadown college were also in action, the 1XV hosting Down High School and the Medallion XV hosting Regent House. The 1XV put in a sterling performance to out score the visitors by 19-17 in a hotly contested affair. Meanwhile the Medallion side came out the wrong side of a 0-33 result against a well drilled Regent House.
There is a healthy Portadown/Lurgan rivalry but when needs must, as has been the case for decades, both clubs are there to support their local friends, and that pretty much sums up the ethos of Rugby.
