Dream start in home victory over Dromore

Portadown seconds sparked into life on Saturday with a perfect start to the league campaign by recording success over Dromore.
Olivier Montels. Pic by Matthew Wickham.Olivier Montels. Pic by Matthew Wickham.
Olivier Montels. Pic by Matthew Wickham.

The town players - fresh from last season’s promotion - finished in front by 41-13 at Chambers Park.

A bright start included early try attempts inside the opening 10 minutes but Dromore held out under pressure and broke the deadlock off a string of penalty kicks.

Portadown’s reply featured a penalty down the touch line and strong driving maul by the pack from the line-out. Darren Thompson had the ball at the back with 15 metres to go as the forwards forced a way over the line.

A similar scenario led to additional Portadown success, with Johnny McClure’s surging run past a number of defenders finishing in a fine try.

David Whitten and Olivier Montels proved effective as a centre combination, with Michael Orr securing the bonus point before the break.

Dromore opened the second half with a five-metre scrum on the visitors’ line but the Portadown pack produced the power to take it against the head and drive, allowing David Thompson to record a try.

Winger Andrew Chambers and full back Ryan Calvert enjoyed spots on the try scoresheet in the closing stages.

Portadown’s conversions were shared between Whitten and Orr - with Taylor Tweedie named the leading home player thanks to his overall work-rate.

The thirds lost out in Dungannon. Portadown under 18s suffered a narrow defeat at Malone.

Players under the youth programme are reminded that training times across September will run each Monday and Thursday from 7 o’clock - with everyone welcome and interest also encouraged from potential additions to the coaching staff.

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