U15s ease into semi final

Portadown U15s 5

BANN U15s entertained Portadown in their quarter-final cup encounter in blustery weather conditions. The home side played into the elements in the first half and soon were pressing the Portadown defence.

Strong ball-carrying by back row players Neal Cochrane and Richard Graham tested the Portadown resolve.

As the visitors’ penalty count increased, Bann were awarded a penalty on the Portadown 22 metre line and quick thinking by Bann out-half Macauley Little caught the visiting defence napping and he was able to cross the line for a try.

From the re-start Bann continued to press and after sustained pressure by the Bann pack, second row forward Jason Lamont barged over for a try, with Little adding the conversion.

Before the break, the in-form Little added his second try after breaking through the Portadown back line for a fine individual score.

With a comfortable lead Bann struggled to maintain the intensity of the first half but still dominated possession. Wing forward Graham eased any Bann nerves when he picked up a loose ball from a lineout in the Portadown 22 metre area and crossed the line for a score. Little again added the conversion.

Portadown managed a consolation score but Bann wing forward Graham capped a fine performance with his second try and effectively ended the match as a contest.

Although Bann won this game comfortably, with some good individual performances, their semi-final encounter will be a step up in class and will be a much sterner test.