Portarlington RFC get off to a flyer in league opener

Portarlington were in Birr on Sunday afternoon to get their new league season underway, and things could not have gone much better. Their forwards were on top from the word go, Andrew Evans kicked flawlessly, and their defence was impeccable despite the stormy conditions. The wind was blowing a gale as the rain hammered down in the first half, but Portarlington set out a huge marker nonetheless.

Port finished third last season, three places above Birr. A penalty kick won the game when Port visited Birr last year - while their most recent encounter saw the Laois side run out 55-17 winners on the final day of last sea.

Portarlington 27

Birr 11

The home side were playing with the wind in the first half and used it to their advantage early on, kicking two penalties through fly half, Brendan Heffernan. 

But Portarlington crossed the line for their first try on 15 minutes when they worked the ball out wide to Eoin Worrell who finished in the corner. Evans added the extras with an unbelievable conversion from the touchline, into the wind.

Birr bombarded the Portarlington try-line, but the visitors twice showed huge resolve to keep them out. Evans landed his first penalty of the game on the half-hour mark to stretch the lead to four.

Portarlington's defence held solid for the remainder of the half. Birr spent a lot of time in the Portarlington 22 but came away with nothing to show for it.

Evans rewarded the hard work of his forward pack with another penalty five minutes into the second half to give Port a 13-6 lead. Their second try came five minutes later when Eoin Worrell received the ball out wide, beating three defenders and going in under the sticks, giving Evans a routine conversion.

The home side did eventually cross for a try of their own after an hour thanks to substitute, Chris Pingree. Birr's pack were relentless in getting over for the five-pointer, but Heffernan's conversion from in front of the posts went to left and wide.

Portarlington, however, came back five minutes later and crossed for their third try in similar fashion. Their forwards had been getting over the gain line all day, particularly Stephen Oakley, Sacha Oliver and Jack Hennessy, and it was Hennessy who finally barrelled his way over for the try with 66 minutes played. Just reward for a man of the match performance from the powerful back row. 

Evans again kicked the conversion to maintain his 100% record off the tee. But it was his kicks for touch that really stood out, especially considering the conditions. Portarlington pressed for the bonus-point try, but Birr held them out.

Portarlington are at home to Westmeath outfit, Midland Warriors next week, with the big Laois derby against Portlaoise fast approaching. Portlaoise and the Warriors faced off in Moate in their opening game with Portlaoise winning by 30-17.