Strong second half key to home defeat of Dromore

Diarmaid O'Kane played a key role as Portadown enjoyed a 31-3 defeat of Dromore. Pic by Matthew Wickham.

A penalty handed the visitors to Chambers Park the upper hand during Dromore’s bright start and Portadown struggled to settle across the initial exchanges.

A strong forward drive around the midway point of the first half proved promising but captain James Carlton was left frustrated when his potential score was ruled out by the referee.

However, Portadown regrouped after the match official opted to bring play back for a scrum five metres out as Diarmaid O’Kane crossed the line eventually and Chris Cousens posted the conversion.

Portadown entered the break clear thanks to Dan Tully’s try and performance levels increased during the hosts’ second-half display.

It was 21-3 following Gary Hall’s try and a Cousens conversion, with Portadown moving the ball around the pitch despite Dromore’s determined display.

O’Kane and Jack Orr combined to test Dromore, with Tully producing the finishing touch for Portadown’s fourth score.

Portadown dominated possession and capped the encouraging display with Gareth McCoy breaking from a ruck to drive past the defence and cross the line. Cousens’ conversion made it 31-3.

The seconds’ Crawford Cup tie was postponed last weekend and must now take place at Chambers Park against Instonians on Saturday.