Portland showed plenty of rust this past weekend as they opened their Spring season against a talented and committed Middlesex side.
We can thank the weather for keeping us off our usual Fox Street haunt, and thank the numerous fringe sports that seem to be clogging up the City's fields for the late hour of the kick off. So, as a result, it was in the waning twilight that the match kicked off at Memorial Field.
Middlesex are a new addition to D2, and they seem destined to fit in well. They came ready to play with a strong pack, and a talented backline, intent on running the ball. Fortunately, Portlands...ahem, experienced pack were able to win their share of ball and supply their own skilled backline with their fair share of running opportunities.
The net result was a closely matched game throughout, that saw both sides hold a narrow lead at times. Both sides scored two tries apiece, with place kicking deciding the final outcome. Portland missed their two conversions, while Middlesex made one of theirs, but Portland were able to score a late penalty to edge ahead. Middlesex had a couple of late kicking opportunities to take the lead, but it was not to be. Final score, Portland 13 - Middlesex 12.
The B sides then followed with an entertaining follow up match, that featured several players trying the game for the first time. Despite the inexperience, the ref wisely let the game run, and the end result was a good contest, in which Middlesex were able to prevail.
A good evening, with some good rugby at times, but plenty of areas to improve on.
Portland host Seacoast this coming weekend, again at Memorial Field, but this time at a more reasonable hour, with a noontime kick off.
