A scenic setting greeted Port at top of the league Blackburn. A knock on straight from the kick off led to an early score for the men from Ramsgreave Drive. The perfect start. The worst for Port. 7-0 (try conv). It was soon 14-0 after another quick back line move. It looked like a long afternoon was in store for Port but they came back fighting. After some solid phases and with a driving maul, they looked sure to go over, but momentum was halted right on Blackburn’s try line. After a few more phases a penalty kick from Ewan Holt was the reward for some good sustained pressure. Ben Dearing had also nailed some intelligent kicks to give Port much needed territory.

The ship had been righted, for now, but the Burn storm was back in anger as their quick, dynamic back line punched more holes in Port’s defence for another score. 21-3. The half time score didn’t reflect how much Port had re-established themselves back into the
match.

The second half kicked off and much like the first, Blackburn scored to make it 26-3. (conv. missed). It was now a long way back but undeterred, Port showed their usual grit and determination, not wanting to go down with a whimper but stand up and compete against
currently, the best team in the league. There were some massive hits being dished out and Port’s tackling was superb all game. A few lapses will frustrate them in open play but that was more due to Blackburn’s pace and ingenuity. A Port line out, fast thinking and a superb running line from Sam Fisher and a strong run to the Blackburn line. 26-10 (try conv). The wind was now in the Port sails and Burn were firmly on the back foot and having lifted off for the last 10 minutes were beginning to pay for their lethargy. Port’s scrum was operating well and after a controlled push, Dudley Southern loitered on the blind side and scurried in for a well thought out move. 26-17 (try conv).

Burn were rocking as for the first time in the match it looked like their once unassailable lead was vulnerable. Port now were the stronger team and it was a shame that 3 late line-outs were lost - tough without Will Conner’s presence who had gone off - as another try would’ve really reflected the effort and endeavour Port had shown to finish the match so strongly. Blackburn really kicked the boot in from these missed chances and scored the final points of the game. Final score Blackburn 33 Port 17.

Port had won the second half and shown real battling qualities against the strongest team faced all season. There are a few injury concerns with Sam Grady-Graham and Jack Martin both holding their shoulders as they left the field. Some notable performances were from Tom Metcalfe who ball carried really effectively all game, a worthy call up for Matt Lawrowitsch. Sam Fisher had his best game in a Port shirt and Dudley Southern showed some smart in-game awareness when he entered the fray.

Port will be looking forward to the chance to bounce back in coming weeks, starting this Saturday at home to Kendal.