Portarlington unlucky to lose out in season opener

Portarlington’s first taste of Leinster League 1B rugby left a bitter taste in the mouth as they lost their opening fixture to a dogged Clondalkin side at Lea Road on Sunday.

Portarlington 19

Clondalkin 26

Portarlington took a commanding early lead after an explosive blind side finish from full back Ronan Mannion and second try from Ross Doyle in the same corner following a selfless Mannion offload to his captain.

Two penalties from Paddy Hyland brought the score up to 16-0 after 25 minutes but from that point on indiscipline from Portarlington lead to a series of penalties in kickable positions that allowed Clondalkin to tick the scoreboard over in the second half before a try of their own sealed the win.

The game seemed to turn after the controversial sin binning of Portarlington’s enigmatic Number 8 Mark Petriw and from that point on the visitors, who rarely troubled the home defensive line, ate into the lead three points at a time.

Portarlington’s ‘never give up’ attitude almost lead to a last minute try from Ronan Mannion but his effort was ruled to have been knocked forward as he crossed the line. Their next outing is away to last year’s Towns Cup finalists Tullow at their Black Gates venue this coming Sunday at 3pm.