Belfast High school welcomed Portadown College to Newtownabbey for a friendly match on Saturday morning.

Report and images Davie Hayes

Belfast High School opened the scoring when Jamie Scott (8) crossed the white wash on the 6th minute and Cameron Banford stepped up to convert it for two more.

The beautiful September morning resulted in fast open rugby and on the 16th minute Belfast High School crossed the white wash once more when Adam Bennett (13), scored a try under the posts following a well orchestrated line out. Banford again stepped up to knock over the 2. Score BHS 14 – Portadown 0.

Belfast High School continued their domination when scum half Lucas Thompson blasted through to score under the posts. Banford knocked over another 2 to keep his kicking percentage for the day at 100%.

Despite the score line Portadown were not out of the game, on the 33rd minute forward Victor Lawnicez (8) smashed his way over the try line with two defenders hanging off him to take the score 21-5 with only a few minutes to go in the first half. Bennett sealed the half for Belfast High school when he crossed over the white wash for his brace. Again converted by Banford.

Half Time – 28-5

The crowd that came to support were not disappointed when the second half started off just like the first finished, Portadown’s second row Scott Craig scored a well worked try to push the score along to 28-10

Adam Bennett continued his fine form when he nearly got his hat trick only to have his try chalked off with a forward pass in the lead up. Both teams scrummed down but Belfast High managed to keep the ball deep in Portadown’s 22 when they turned it over leading to the Belfast High School winger, Alex Montgomery stretching his legs to score right in the corner. Belfast High School 33 points – Portadown 10.

Daniel Bennett broke from the half way beating a number of defenders when he flipped his way across the try line. Banford converted the pen to take Belfast high School out to 40-10

Portadown fought hard right to the last second when they finished off with the last try by Sam Halet in a thrilling nine try match.

Final score Belfast High School 40, Portadown 15. A valiant effort by Portadown and some superb rugby played by both teams.

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