Portland tops Providence

Given the early state of the season, we're playing our cards close to our chests this week with a slightly more tight-lipped match report than usual. Hopefully by revealing just the bare facts, our plans for a lazer-death ray can remain a secret, and we can reserve any editorial comment for the weather or the after match activities.

One inescapable fact however is that Portland came out winners this past weekend in their opening league fixture of the 2007 season, on a day hotter than a stolen tamale and a pitch dryer than a biscuit.

Mmmmmm...biscuits.

With the sun at its highest play kicked off and the initial onslaught came from Providence as they poured it on good and heavy. There were some tense moments from the home side, but they were eventually able to clear their lines and settle things down in midfield. Play see-sawed for a while but then Portland opened the scoring with an try from Steve Stewart, who's tireless performance would go on to earn him man-of-the-match honors for the day. Andy Nelson made the conversion.

Portland scored again shortly afterwards, this time through Ryan Facey, with another conversion from Andy Nelson, bringing the score to 14-0, which was how it was to remain until half time.

Whatever Providence was drinking at half time it must have been good as they struck back with a vengeance, running in two quick scores under the posts, and before you could say "wtf?" it was all tied up.

Both sides continued to slog it out under the hot sun, and never were substitutes more welcome. Through some concerted pressure Portland were able to earn a penalty in kicking distance, which Andy Nelson was able to convert and give the home side a slender lead.

Tensions began to grow on both sides as the clock wound down, and rucks and mauls were entered with ever increasing ahem..."enthusiasm". With about 15 minutes remaining an attempted kick ahead by Providence was fielded inside the Portland 22 and instead of clearing to touch Portland opted to run it back in search of a knockout punch.

The ball passed its way through several pairs of hands as it worked its way upfield and eventually found itself in the possession of Jerry Alves (I think) who crashed over in a cloud of dust to complete the move. Andy continued his kicking streak to make the conversion, and bring the scoreline to 24-14 in Portland's favor.

Despite continued pressure from Providence, and a few late handbags, that's how it remained, and I would guess that even the visitors were a little glad to hear the final whistle after 80 of the hottest minutes in a while.

The ensuing B-game saw many new (and some welcome old) faces pull on the scarlet jersey and take the field despite the continued high temps. The contest was to be an even one, with both sides scoring two tries a piece. Tractor was the definite protagonist of one of these moves, while either Brendan or Francis gets credit for the other.

Unfortunately however it was kicking that would be the decider in the B game, and while Providence made both of their conversions, Portland missed both of theirs, and so it finished 14-10 in favor of the visitors. Newcomer Colin Dumont earned man-of-the-match honors for his hard running and tackling at Wing and Center.

So that's all the news we're willing to print. Tune in next week for the more snark-free commentary. Portland hosts South Shore this weekend, also at Dougherty Field.