’Port bring up century with Dale triumph
STOCKPORT ................... 48 ROSSENDALE ................. 37
ON Port’s 100th birthday the players served up a royal treat in a match befitting of such a landmark occasion.
There was a debut for 18 year old Colt and Sale Academy player Isaac Deans, who provided the perfect understudy alongside Si Green. A few absentees meant a slight reshuffle with Rory Austin at scrum half and Tom Gardner as hooker.
The game kicked off and a reoccurring theme this year is Port conceding the first try and it was no different against Dale as they worked the ball out wide and went in comfortably. 0-7 (try conv).
Undeterred Port responded well with a try of their own, after some questionable kicks by either side, led to a debut try from Deans. What a way to open your account. 5-7 (conv. missed).
The men in maroon were growing in confidence and after kicking a penalty another well constructed move and they were over again. 5-17 (try conv). A decent lead for the away side and the open style of rugby was suiting Dale.
Another inauspicious kick but as they say, you can never trust the bounce of a rugby ball, and Port looked dangerous again. Green was given the freedom of Stockport as he scythed through a non existent Dale defensive line to score. 12-17 (try conv). Two tries apiece and just over 15 minutes on the clock! A defence coach’s nightmare but a spectators dream.
The scoring didn’t look like abating as Dale went over for their third try. It seemed every time either side attacked they scored. 12-24 (try conv).
The devastating attacking rugby continued as
Austin took a quick tap and go penalty to score with Dale caught napping. 19-24 (try conv).
Port stopped the alternate scoring after some resolute defence and Callum Hibbs was rewarded after good patience from a driving maul. 24-24 (conv. missed).
The match was all square and a chance for players and spectators to catch a breather on what was one of the craziest half’s witnessed.
Dale began the second half brightly and knocked over an early penalty kick to hit the front again. 24-27
The action was nonstop and a high tackle from Dale resulted in the perfect platform to attack deep into their 22. Dale didn’t compete at the line-out but the momentum was too much and a second try for Deans as he peeled off the maul brilliantly. 31-27 (try conv). Port had hit the front for the first time and Dale’s fitness looked like it was waining.
However not for long as Dale responded immediately with a converted try of their own. 31-34.
Impact sub Tom Mantell entered the fray to add some impetus for the last 15 minutes.
The end to end rugby continued as another well worked line-out gave Hibbs his second of the game. Back in the lead! 35-34 (conv. missed).
This one was going right to the wire. Dale took a tenuous lead after another penalty to make it 35-37.
Port were turning the screw and such was the pressure from the home side, Dale had a man yellow carded. Dale couldn’t hold fort and Port claimed a penalty try after another driving maul. 42-34 (try conv). Had Port finally broken the back of Dale’s resistance?
They had and there was just enough time for Matt
Lawrowitsch to work the scoreboard a final time. What a game!
Final Score Port 48 Rossendale 37. One of the most entertaining matches witnessed at the Memorial Ground and a first top 4 scalp for Port to boot!
First mention has to go to Issac Deans for his man of the match performance. He slotted into the team as if he’d been playing all season. A truly commendable performance from such a promising young gun. Tom Gardner deputised superbly at the line out throw and clever tactics meant Dale couldn’t fathom where the ball was going and Matt Lawrowitsch - not just for his fine moustache - but another brilliant ball carrying display.
An away trip to Kirby Lonsdale this coming Saturday and Port will look to continue their mid to late season form.