Late Colgan try snatches win for Portarlington young guns in McAuley Cup

It may be a cliché but Portarlington’s Under 15 side really did have to dig deep to overcome fierce rivals Tullow in the First Round of the Leinster McAuley Cup at Lea Road last Saturday.

Portarlington 13

Tullow 12

Despite a good start Port went in well down at the break and had it all to do before a last gasp try from Matthew Colgan saw them steal a victory at the death.

Port tore into their opponents from the off and made good use of their fast running brand of rugby to pin their opponents back deep in their own half. This forced Tullow into the concession of a penalty beneath the posts which scrum half Keith Kavanagh converted. Tullow immediately responded by crossing for the opening try of the game, with the conversion making the scores 3-7.

Tullow were making great strides by getting their big men running in wide channels and had sustained spells of pressure on the Port line. The defence held firm however and on the few chances they did get Port looked to spread the ball and move the bigger Tullow pack around the field. Once or twice it looked like their efforts might amount to something but the last pass went astray or the ball carrier went unsupported. Unfortunately it was Tullow who had the next score with a second try on the stroke of half time leaving it 3-12 at the break.

Port stuck to their task much better in the second half with the introduction of Warren Murray having an immediate effect on the game. Port were slowly making inroads into the Tullow defence with Kavanagh, Aaron Colbert and the again phenomenal Robert Pigott looking to run the ball from everywhere. An Anavil Storey break caught the Tullow defence on the outside and brought Port back into the game at 8-12. Port’s scrum which had been under pressure in the first half had now become a strength with the rejuvenated Dylan Stronge starting to dominate.

While the tireless workrates of Sean Smith, Ryan McLaren and Stephen Chambers helped ensure Port got a supply of quality ball. But the stubborn Tullow rearguard just would not give in. Deep into injury time after a series of failed attacks it looked like all hope was gone for Port until wing Colgan came to the rescue, beating four tacklers to race his way into the corner, handing Port the narrowest of victories, 13-12. Next up for Port is a second round clash with either Kilkenny or New Ross.

PORTARLINGTON: John Cahill, Matthew Colgan, Cormac O’Hora, Christopher McCormack, Anavil Storey, Aaron Colbert, Keith Kavanagh, Dylan Stronge, Stephen Chambers, Aaron Cooper, Sean Smith, Brendan Molloy, Diarmuid Bennett, Ryan McLaren, Robert Pigott. Subs: Warren Murray, Conor Houlihan, Shane Donagher, Odhrán Fitzpatrick, Paul Maher