The senior side travelled to north Tipperary to take on top of the table Roscrea along with all of our minis team to make a real festival atmosphere despite the atrocious weather conditions. The ground was heavy and the heavy rain continued to fall as the teams took the field so this was never going to be a game of open running rugby but both teams put on a good game which was appreciated by the good crowd watching.

Port had the better of the opening exchanges but just couldn't break through the tough defence by the home team. The pitch was heavy which meant the Port backs couldn't really get going with an momentum. A few line breaks made ground into the Roscrea half but the final pass didn't go to hand or was dislodged by tough Roscrea tackling. The game plan from the home team was efficient as they had a number of strong runners trying to punch holes in a resolute Port defensive line, the ball was recycled quickly and they out half pinned us back into our own half.

The breakthrough and only try of the game came after 15 minutes when they full back came in on a great line against the defence and cut through to score under the posts, with the conversion Roscrea went 7-0 ahead. A few minutes later, following sustained pressure, Roscrea extended the lead to 10-0 with a penalty - this was to be the final score of the game but by no means was it a poor game.

The defensive effort by Port was immense as they thwarted a number of gilt edged chances by Roscrea, a crunching tackle under the posts and stripping a ball as a Roscrea dove for the line were just two of the highlights of this. The first half ended with Roscrea on the attack but with Port yet again holding them out.

The second half Port played down the hill and had the benefit of the wind early on (before it changed mid half !). The defensive effort was now being put in by the home side as some great carries by the forwards set up the backs to threaten out wide. The underfoot conditions were starting to take their toll while the bar of soap masquerading as a ball was being dislodged at almost every crunching contact. I can't remember a game with so many scrums but both packs kept at it right to the final whistle.

Port didn't get a single penalty within kicking range which would have given them a chance at getting the bonus point which their efforts deserved. They will learn from this defeat and feel that they should have come away with something more than just sore bodies. Roscrea continue unbeaten and top to table with Ardee winning in Athboy a close second and the Port lads are in 3rd - away to Clane next week in what will be another tough game. Time to assess the walking wounded and get back into winning ways next weekend.