Portarlington RFC U14 Boys
League Campaign – Round 5
On a lovely cool but sunny morning, Portarlington RFC made the journey to Greystones for Round 5 of their league campaign — and were treated to one of the toughest and most competitive matches of the season so far.
Led out by Captain Sean Fitzpatrick, the Port boys looked focused and ready for the challenge ahead.
From the opening kickoff, Port found themselves under immediate pressure. The first scrum went against the head and Greystones wasted no time in pinning Port back in their own half for the opening few minutes. It took Port a good five minutes to find their footing and settle into the game.
Once they did, however, the quality began to shine through. At the seven-minute mark, Michael Owens opened the scoring in style. Receiving the ball from Jack Turley at the back of a well-executed scrum, Owens broke back into the Greystones defence, spotted a gap and made a dash for the line, driving over for a superb opening try. Bradley Cooper stepped up to add the conversion. Port 7 – Greystones 0
Greystones responded well and got themselves on the scoreboard at the 22-minute mark, making it a tight contest. Both teams were evenly matched throughout the first half, with Port's defence holding firm under sustained pressure — a real test of character that the boys stood strong through.
At the break, Port held a narrow lead that reflected the toughness of what had been a genuinely hard-fought and evenly contested first half.
Half Time: Portarlington 7 – Greystones 5
The second half was every bit as tight as the first, with some excellent kicking and well-structured phases of play from both sides. Neither team was able to gain a clear advantage.
Sam Petriw then produced a moment of real individual brilliance. Having already made his mark with an outstanding run and a crucial try-saving tackle on the 5-metre line that denied Greystones what looked like a certain score, Petriw capped a magnificent personal display by crossing the line on 31 minutes for Port’s second try of the game.
Greystones piled on the pressure in the closing stages, pinning Port inside their own half for the final 12 minutes. Port’s defensive lines came under immense pressure but held firm, showing great determination and composure to see out the game — much to the delight of the travelling supporters and coaches alike.
Standout Performances
Luca Hynes made a series of powerful and incisive runs, consistently threatening the Greystones defence and keeping the backline moving.
Dan Carroll made his presence felt across the pitch — his tackling was robust and his kicking game gave Port real territorial advantage.
Jack McDonald, Ciarain Moore, Harry Robinson were a driving force up front, always pressing the game forward and leading with energy.
Charlie Merriman and Sam Lyons tackled with passion and intent throughout.
Tom Coen (VC), playing at No. 8, was back to his very best — delivering his trademark physicality while also showing sharp ball work to get the backs moving off every ruck.
Tommy Walker and Finn Costello worked in tandem, combining well in both defence and attack and standing particularly tall during the periods when Port came under the most pressure.
Men of the Match
Sam Petriw | Michael Owens | Dan Carroll
Sam Petriw for an outstanding all-round display — his lung-busting run from the Greystones 22 followed by a perfectly timed tackle on the 5-metre line to deny Greystones a try was the moment of the match.
Michael Owens for a brilliantly taken opening try and a powerful performance throughout.
Dan Carroll for his relentless defensive work and excellent kicking game, which repeatedly relieved pressure and helped Port gain valuable territory.
Team
Jack McDonald, Ciaran Moore, Harry Robinson, Aidan Scully, Oisin Geoghegan, Charlie Merriman, Sam Lyons, Tom Coen (VC), Jack Turley, Michael Owens, Sam Petriw, Sean Fitzpatrick (C), Bradley Cooper, Mark Finlay, Dan Carroll, Finn Costello, Arran Dunne, Tommy Walker, Luca Hynes, Sean Kiernan, Michael McCallum, Tadgh O’Connor, Eoin O’Connell