News

15 October 2007 - 1XV vs. Earlston Match Report

Match played: 13 October 2007

Tries

Fraser Boyter, Kevin Bulloch (2), Sean Hollywood (2), Danny Roarty 

Conversions

Connor MacLeod (4) 

Penalties

Connor MacLeod (2) 

Drop Goals

 

Match Report

Portobello kicked off at home for only the second time this season into a fairly stiff breeze and in bright sunshine against an Earlston team that were promoted along with them last season. The home side were quickly into their stride and put together some passages of play and came close to scoring on several occasions.

Unfortunately the poor decision making that has afflicted the team recently was evident and all too often players elected to go for glory rather than use the overlaps that they had created.

Earlston were a stuffy, resolute side who tackled well and competed at every breakdown. Connor MacLeod, who has been a reliable source of points with his boot passed up two straightforward penalties and the home support were starting to worry.

The match referee then pulled up with a strained achilles and for a moment the match looked in doubt until Earlston gallantly agreed to play on with Portobello Club President, Iain Goodall taking over the whistle. The former grade one referee had an outstanding game.

Portobello eventually got the breakthrough they wanted when Kevin Bulloch charged over under the posts. Connor's kicking woes continued and he missed the simple conversion. More clever play from the hosts saw Fraser Boyter crash over in the corner and unbelievably Connor kicked a stunning conversion into the breeze from the touch-line! Earlston kept competing and were rewarded with a well struck penalty which showed the home side that they were still very much in the game.

Half Time: (12) Portobello vs. Earlston (3)

In the 2nd half Earlston were hampered with injuries to key players and their discipline began to slip. Portobello began to crank up the pressure and were rewarded with some good tries with clever play evident between backs and forwards. Kevin scored under the posts after slick passing put him clear, Danny Roarty scored an opportunist try from a quick penalty on the 5 yard line and Sean Hollywood scored a brace.

The second was a thing of beauty with Emmet Richardson breaking the line, Ed Henderson supported well and put Peter Mauritzen in the clear. A wonderful tackle from the Earlston defender halted the big guys progress but his off load in the tackle put Sean in under the posts.

Connor kicked a further four conversions and two penalties which caused Danny to question if he had eventually put his boots on the correct feet!

Half Time: (46) Portobello vs. Earlston (3)

Summary

Its an odd feeling to have scored so many points and still feel slightly disappointed, The coaches know how good this side can be but some poor choices on the pitch are making life difficult for the guys at the moment. There were some good performances notably from Sean, Keith Allison, Connor and a welcome return to form from Captain Ed Henderson in the pack. Danny slotted in well at scrum half, Ronnie Gallon started strongly and Kevin Bulloch took his tries well. There is a strong bench at the moment and the guys coming on are all making an impact.

Man Of The Match

This weeks man of the match was Lee Dickson. No matter where he plays he is in great form.

Team

1. Connor MacLeod
2. Lee Dickson
3. Graeme Foulner
4. Peter Mauritzen
5. Darren Roe
6. Keith Alison
7. Sean Hollywood
8. Ed Henderson  ^(Captain)
9. Danny Roarty
10. Dave Hardy
11. Graham Culbertson
12. Kevin Bulloch
13. Fraser Boyter
14. Ronald Gallon
15. Michael Dunn

Substitutes

• Chris Weir
• Euann Roy
• Emmet Richmond

Noss MacLeod