Double boost for men's promotion push thanks to back-to-back triumphs

Success against Harlequins by 4-2 left Portadown full of confidence for the midweek date against Junior Five leaders Down.

A 6-3 win offered a significant boost.

Sam McClelland put Portadown into the lead against Harlequins before the visitors left it level.

Mark Bulloch and Andy Bingham pushed Portadown back on top, with the latter adding his second following Harlequins’ second team goal.

The defeat of Down marked a second success of the season for Portadown over a side with a clean record against the division’s remaining teams.

Down took the lead but Portadown regrouped to hold the upper hand thanks to a goal and assist by Matt Gray, the latter for Mackenzie Bennett.

Gray wrapped up his hat-trick before Bennett and Niall Magee left Portadown flying high.

Andrew Crowe proved alert between the posts and Alex Webb produced some key clearances off the Portadown line.

Portadown men’s seconds finished down to Banbridge by 4-1.

PIGEONS

Williamson Training Transporter times (Balbriggan, April 10\17 and Slane, April 11\12\13\14): Ballyoran Hill 8.20, Edgarstown club 8.35, Edgarstown Park (Robinson’s Bar) 8.45, Laurelvale clubrooms 9.05, Markethill corner 9.30, Newry Playing Fields 9.50.