Dream start in home victory over Dromore
The town players - fresh from last season’s promotion - finished in front by 41-13 at Chambers Park.
A bright start included early try attempts inside the opening 10 minutes but Dromore held out under pressure and broke the deadlock off a string of penalty kicks.
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Hide AdPortadown’s reply featured a penalty down the touch line and strong driving maul by the pack from the line-out. Darren Thompson had the ball at the back with 15 metres to go as the forwards forced a way over the line.
A similar scenario led to additional Portadown success, with Johnny McClure’s surging run past a number of defenders finishing in a fine try.
David Whitten and Olivier Montels proved effective as a centre combination, with Michael Orr securing the bonus point before the break.
Dromore opened the second half with a five-metre scrum on the visitors’ line but the Portadown pack produced the power to take it against the head and drive, allowing David Thompson to record a try.
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Hide AdWinger Andrew Chambers and full back Ryan Calvert enjoyed spots on the try scoresheet in the closing stages.
Portadown’s conversions were shared between Whitten and Orr - with Taylor Tweedie named the leading home player thanks to his overall work-rate.
The thirds lost out in Dungannon. Portadown under 18s suffered a narrow defeat at Malone.
Players under the youth programme are reminded that training times across September will run each Monday and Thursday from 7 o’clock - with everyone welcome and interest also encouraged from potential additions to the coaching staff.