Classy Port Off to a Flyer

Portarlington’s u18s travelled to Longford last weekend to kick of phase two of their league campaign and there were no signs of post Christmas rustiness as they put on a spectacular display of flowing rugby to overcome a dogged Longford side. Tries from Glen Hassett (2), Andrew Evans, David Egan, Devlin McLaughlin and Mishael Cornells capped off this fine performance.
Longford started the game with serious intent and spent the first quarter hammering away at the Port defence but some great tackling from Jim Byrne, Eoin Maher and Conor Perry kept the attacks at bay. Longford kept the pressure on and went through the phases well before eventually being rewarded with the opening try on twenty five minutes.
It didn’t take long for Portarlington to respond though and when props Séan Mooney and Ger Campbell combined brilliantly in midfield to draw the defence, Campbell shifted the ball wide into space where full back Adam Lambkin showed good pace to carry into the twenty two before offloading to winger Mishael Cornells who scored. This try was quickly followed by a second for the visitors when back rower Devlin McLaughlin made a powerful break before Andrew Evans combined with his centre partner Glen Hassett who finished under the posts. Evens added the extras and at half time Port led 12-5 with scrum half Darragh Perry looking influential as he caught the eye with some impressive tackling and counter rucking.
Hassett and Evans combined again after a great break from Jack Mallon early in the second half to stretch the visitors lead but this score was soon cancelled out when Longford touched down at the other end. At this point the game became quite open and Portarlington’s Nicholas Doggett looked the best equipped of the out halves to manage the game as he brought his pack and back line in when required. Devlin McLaughlin and Jack Mallon began to have a significant impact at the breakdown and this allowed Port to steal ball and when Doggett spread it wide to Andrew Evans the winger beat three defenders to score his side’s fourth try and the score was now 24-10.
Longford were not going to lie down though and on the hour mark their pack again went through multiple phases before powering over to leave only a converted try between the sides. Again though, Portarlington rallied and another break from Jack Mallon from a lineout saw him coming within a yard of the Longford line. The ball was spilled in contact and hooker David Egan who had run a great support line was first to react as he pounced to score in the corner.
The breathless nature of the second half then continued as Longford scored despite a seemingly obvious knock on at the base of their scrum. The conversion meant that there were only five points between the sides and when the Longford right winger made a break it looked like the tables could turn dramatically. However, Portarlington’s Peter Dunne assisted by Darragh Perry then put in a stunning cover tackle to drive the Longford man into touch and from the resulting line out McLaughlin powered through the defence to seal the victory for Port and deny their hosts even a losing bonus point.
Next up for Port will be the visit of Kilkenny on Saturday as they look to build on this impressive victory.