Royal run ends

Editorial Department • Published 11 Mar 2010 09:42 0 Comments

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Portora's Rory Gibson puts in a crunching tackle during the defeat to Campbell College on Saturday.

Portora's cup run finally came to an end at the hands of Campbell College, going down 29-14 to the Belfast side in the semi-final of the Subsidiary Shield.

After a draw against Limavady followed by a narrow two point success in the quarter final replay, the Portora side went into their third match in just seven days with minimal preparation time, but yet the mood in the team was optimistic as they attempted to earn a trip to Ravenhill.

Throughout the season Portora's pack was the focal point of the team, and once again they started the match attempting to dominate through their forward play. The opening exchanges were physical and no quarter was asked as each side tried to establish field position, however, a slick move by the Campbell back line resulted in the opening score of the game which was duly converted.

Undaunted, the home side came roaring back into the game and great work by the tight five of Sargaison, Foster, Trimble, Blair and Brady resulted in a try for the Portora loose head Charlie Sargaison following a series of rumbles to the Campbell line. Scott Burrell duly slotted the conversion to tie the scores up.

The Campbell side were intent on moving the big Portora pack around the pitch at every opportunity, but Portora were defending resolutely and trying to move the ball wide when in possession, and on a number of occasions threatening to get in behind the Campbell defence. Jonathan Magwood , the young centre, made some searing breaks and with Gormley off-loading in contact they were making life difficult for the Campbell midfield. Just before the break however Campbell edged ahead with another try. From a Portora line out the ball was stolen by Campbell and after a series of quick ruck balls the visitors went over for their second try to leave the score 12 - 7 at the interval.

The Portora side knew they had to increase the intensity of their game if they were going to reverse the deficit, but it was Campbell who started the second period on the front foot, and the game was effectively ended as a contest with two quick tries for the Belfast school. In a fifteen minute spell after the re-start Campbell opened up an unassailable 26-7 lead, thanks mainly to their back three and their big outside centre.

The home side were hanging on and defending deep in their own half when a brilliant solo run by James Gormley and follow through on a neat chip nearly resulted in a try. To their great credit Portora never give up fighting, and with confidence soaring through the pack they began asking serious questions of the Campbell eight with some thundering close in pick and drives. Simon McElveen and Adam Farrell came on for Michael Trimble and Charlie Sargaison and played their part in getting Richard Ogle over the line for the home side's second try which was converted by Burrell.

The last quarter of the game was dominated by the home side as they attempted to breach the Campbell line, but the damage had been done at the start of the second half and it is Campbell that can look forward to the final at Ravenhill.

Sargaison, J Foster, M Trimble, R Blair, J Brady (capt) P Dickie, R Ogle, M Tanswell, R Gibson, G Jormley, J Houston, J Ferguson, J Magwood, S Patterson, S Burrell.

Subs: S McEllveen for M Trimble, A Farrell for C Sargaison J McKenzie for J Magwood.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 11 Mar 10

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