On a perfect evening for rugby, the large crowd in attendance were treated to a competitive and compelling game.
Second row Justin Allen opened the scoring for Portadown when he was driven over following a successful maul off a lineout. Inside centre Graeme Currie added the conversion for a 7-0 lead. Banbridge responded almost immediately and with some good handling in the backs, they opened up the defence for Macauley Little to score under the posts. The same player added the extras to level the game.
In the 20th minute, Ryan Turner was the beneficiary of Portadown’s effective mauling when they produced a carbon copy of the first try to again assume the lead. Currie converted the touchdown to bring the score to 14-7. The introduction of replacement hooker Peter Cromie had an immediate effect for Bann as his excellent footwork and power saw him breach the midfield defence and feed second row Stuart Walker to score under the posts. The conversion meant the half time score read 14-14.
Banbridge’s talented backline, with Matthw McDonald and Adam Doherty to the fore, looked the more likely scorers after the break, despite one or two line breaks from the hosts. They upped the pressure in the final ten minutes and were eventually rewarded when right wing Kenny Wiltshire crossed in the corner. Little missed the conversion but slotted over a penalty attempt shortly after to give his side an eight point cushion.
Final score: Banbridge 22 Portadown 14
Tuesday night’s final brought to an end another successful tournament hosted by Portadown RFC in conjunction with Irwin’s Bakery. Sixteen teams had set out on the quest to win the trophy three months ago, with Banbridge defeating holders Ballynahinch 31-0 in the semi-finals.