9/27 Win Against Burlington

Portland's third home game in a row turned out to be a charm this weekend as they outlasted a strong Burlington team in a muddy game at Fox Street field. As always, Portland's pack was the strongpoint, but the backfield took a major step forward with gritty defense and strong play in the second half to seal the win for Portland.

Portland started off strong again, with two pushover trys off rolling mauls and strong rucking within the first 10 minutes of the game. (Special credit goes to Mike "Diesel" DeSalle's punishing Thursday practice of nothing but rucking and mauling for this.) Burlington's loose play was strong, however, and breakaways ended up costing Portland two trys before half to make the game close.

The second half saw more of the same, with additional pressure put on Burlington's forwards by the Portland pack and exceptional tackling by the backs. The match was a toss-up until a pivotal tryzone stand won by Portland, effectively ending the threat and sealing the win. Strong play by scrumhalf Matt Winch (Man-of-the Match honors, shared with flanker Jimmy Hendricks), the foot of English Evan, tackling by Jason Willey and Carl Brady, and strong running by Marc Forunier and Fred Hayman were the highlights of Portland's first win this season.
Final score: Portland 29, Burlington 19.