Match Report by Theo Bowyer.

After an early opportunity for Port, it was Manchester who scored first. Symptomatic of the whole game Manchester made metres consistently and an early score was achieved on the right wing. 0-5 (conv. missed).
Port responded well and were happy to go through the phases and another secured line-out - which was the best it’s been all season - resulted in a score for Tom Gardner after a driving maul. 5-5 (conv. missed).
A quarter of the game gone, and Port’s phases were once again mounting up. A moment of genius as Alex Pantechis caressed a kick over the top of the Manchester defence for Rory Atwil to chase, collect and score. Beautiful. 12-5 (try conv).
The game was end to end and only for some brilliant defence from Port on their own line, Manchester would’ve been back on the scoreboard - the ball held up. Half time and the game was firmly in the balance.
After the early second half skirmishes Manchester had a great opportunity but knocked on - something that plagued a lot of their attacking play. Let off the hook, Port punished the away side after a superb break through the middle by Si Green, left Ewan Holt free to make a beeline for the corner.19-5 (try conv).
One of the aspects Port excelled in was winning penalties, providing many opportunities to put pressure on the opposition. This came to fruition once more as Manchester couldn’t help but infringe, such was the scrum dominance from Port. The home side had a line-out deep into Manchester’s territory. Green took the ball and stretched out a big paw to just scrape the white paint. Another well worked try from the lads. 26-5 (try conv).
The win looked secured and surely a bit of game management from Port and Manchester would’ve been despondent.
However quite the opposite as a crazy 15 minutes of loose, open rugby as off the cuff decisions and a lack of control from Port allowed Manchester right back into the match. Three tries out of nowhere when the game was seemingly done and dusted. In-between the madness a critical Holt penalty gave Port some breathing room. 29-24
The game was teetering, and Port showed their steel by winning a crucial turn over with Manchester holding on - literally. A line-out and the forwards control gave Sam Fisher a blindside run in. Sheer relief as this time the game was definitely beyond Manchester as only a few minutes remained. 36-24 (try conv).
You guessed it, Manchester sneaked a final try in the dying embers and although happy with the win, Port were left scratching their heads that they had been made to sweat for the victory. It was certainty entertaining in what is proving to be a fascinating season.
Final Score… Port 36 Manchester 29.
Some notable performances were Callum Hibbs with his brilliant ball carrying giving Port good field position and Ewan Holt with an impressive 83% conversion rate.
A word from the coach Keith, “We need to trust the process of what we do best which is controlling the game from our set pieces.”
We travel away to Northwich this coming Saturday and Port continue the push for top 4!