Portora ready for Ballyclare test

Editorial Department • Published 4 Feb 2010 15:30 0 Comments

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Damian Dempster will be looking for a big performance from Portora on Saturday.

Portora are confident they can progress to the quarter final of the Ulster Schools Cup this weekend, despite the draw pitting them against a Ballyclare side that have made the semi-finals in each of the last two years.

Portora began their cup campaign with a comfortable victory over Carrickfergus Grammar and then survived a late rally from Down High School to win by three points and set up their clash with Ballyclare, but they know they will have to produce their best performance of the campaign if they want to secure a place in the last eight for the first time since 2007.

"We are going up to respect them but we don't fear them, and the mood of the team is very positive," said Portora's Damian Dempster. "We know ourselves we haven't played well against either Down High or Carrick, but we are quietly confident and we know we can up our game. It's the strongest test we've faced and we need to get our game plan together but we know what to expect. They are a side that are difficult to beat, and up there it will be a hostile environment. We played up there the last couple of years and we are ready for it. Obviously we have to play better than we have shown so far, but I think we will do that. We want to be in the quarter finals come Saturday afternoon."

Portora discipline has proved their biggest downfall in the campaign so far, with two yellow cards in the opening tie followed by another three in the match against Down. On both occasions they were able to withstand the penalties against them, but as the competition progresses they know they can ill afford a repeat their indiscipline if they are to maintain their cup run.

"We have to sort that out and if we can reduce the penalty count we know we are in with a big chance," said Damian. "Our discipline at the breakdown is an area referees are penalising us on, but we have been working hard on that. We are a counter rucking side and that is maybe where referees are seeing an interpretation problem and saying we are going off our feet. We have been only going one or two phases and that has been letting us down, so we really have to up the whole performance around the pitch as well as the intensity of our work. If we get off the blocks early and put the pressure on them I think we have the ammunition and the game plan to beat them."

Portora regard their forward line as a match for any team on their day, and they will be hoping to dominate this area if they are to push for victory. "The pack will set the tone for the match, and if they get going and play like they did against Sligo Grammar or Belfast Inst earlier in the season then I can't see Ballyclare beating us," said Damian. "We are very strong up front but they have to bring that A game and that intensity and meanness to the game on Saturday. If they don't do that then it is going to be difficult. They need to lay the platform for our backs."

Portora have reported a clean bill of health with the exception of winger Andrew Morrison, who has contracted glandular fever and will miss the tie.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 04 Feb 10

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