Port’s last trip of season closes with Burnage win

PORT travelled to Varley Park looking to ensure a sixth place finish in their first season in North West One.

Kieran Hibbs was making his 300th appearance for the club – a real milestone achievement for the Port stalwart.

Port were the first to impress but some uncharartastic errors meant nothing to show for their early efforts. They were struggling to find a Port shirt in the line-out due to

Burnage’s giant No 5.

It wasn’t the most fluent of starts with both sides trying to acclimatise.

Burnage managed to produce the first moment of real quality and scored with a slick move to score under the posts, 7-0.

Nearing the 20 minute mark and Port were methodically going through the phases. Burnage couldn’t cope with this pressure and a yellow card was shown for a second high tackle.

Port made their man advantage count immediately and after more quick ball a try from Will Conner when peeling away from the driving maul, 7-5.

Port were beginning to find their rhythm and the easiest try of Tom Gardner’s season. Burnage didn’t even attempt to stop the maul - they must have heard about it’s potency on the grapevine, 7-12.

Then a try that would have graced any of the Six Nations games at the weekend.

Rory Atwill received the ball just inside the Port 22 and showed brilliant wheels to leave the Burnage defence in his wake.

It was a simply sensational solo score.

There was even time for a cheeky glance over his shoulder to check for any potential dangers.

With the score converted, it was 7-19.

Inspired by Atwill’s twinkling feet it was time for Ewan Holt to throw some lovely sidesteps for another score and a try bonus point before half time. 7-24.

The second half kicked off and you would have expected Port to pull away now having stamped their mark on the game however fair play to Burnage they weren’t going to fold that easily.

Their height advantage at the line-out was causing havoc and from the Port 10 metre line they broke the Port defence all too easily, a few quality offloads and a try for the home team, 14-24.

Port responded well and went through countless phases before a scrum on Burnage’s own line resulted in a superb counter push and a try for Callum Hibbs. 14-31.

Port had a tight grip on proceedings and were looking to add further gloss to the scoreline.

Some wonderful running lines and a second try for Holt, assisted by Ben Dearing. 14-38 (try conv).

An example of improved passing and organisation from the back-line, possibly assisted by playing on a 4G surface where sure footing is more assured.

Burnage to their credit, weren’t going down without a fight and scored a good try in the left corner. 19-38 (conv. missed).

The irresistible force was back in full flow and Port were inevitably awarded a penalty try when Burnage pulled down the driving maul. 19-45.

There was still time for the home side to grab a try bonus point. Something which irked coach Keith Young afterwards.

Final score Burnage 24 Port 45.

Some notable performances were Dearing for some Mike Catt-like passing vision in the midfield, James Shaw for some good drives and again another special mention for Kieran Hibbs who has been a terrific servant to the club.

This Saturday is the final match against Northwich away and a great opportunity to finish on a high in what has been a thoroughly memorable season!