Town Fourths progress in cup against Portadown

BALLYMONEY IV 27

Ballymoney IV continued their good form in the McCambly cup with a determined victory away to Portadown V in the fourth round of this prestigious competition.

The first half saw both teams play some open, entertaining rugby. The Ballymoney backs were keen to spread the ball wide and challenge their opponents defence line.

Benjy Van D Gal, playing fly half, picked out some lovely passes to free the Ballymoney backs, who were denied scores only through some last ditch Portadown defence.

The opening score of the game came after a sustained period of Ballymoney pressure. After good work by the forwards, some quick recycling saw Benjy pick out Andy Foster on the wing with a long accurate pass. Andy showed some clinical finishing to touch down in the corner.

Portadown responded soon after when their fly half sent a perfectly weighted kick into the corner for the winger to collect and score. The half time score 7-5 in favour of the home team

Some words of encouragement in the half time team talk and a change in the game plan, paid off as Ballymoney dominated the second half. T

he next try came after a Ballymoney scrum, just inside the Portadown 22’. John Richmond picked up from the base of the scrum and drive over the line. James Celland added the conversion.

The third Ballymoney try again came courtesy of some good work by the forwards, recycling quick ball for centre Darren Smyth to power over the line.

The final try came in the last few minutes and again falling to Andy Foster for a lovely finish in the corner. James Clelland, adding the conversion and a penalty late on, to complete the victory.

Team manager Davy McCue commented after the match: “I was very impressed with the way that we raised our game in the second half.

“Portadown is never an easy challenge as we exited the competition at the same stage and venue last season.

“We still need to work on a couple of areas of our game, however we have a few weeks to get ready before the quarter final.”

The Fourths now prepare for next weekend’s league match at home to the leaders Malone.