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NewsMatch played: 3 November 2007
On a pleasant autumnal day at the Leith Academy sports ground, Portobello lodged their first away win of the league campaign with a professional display against a stubborn and spirited Accies side.
The first half had little to report with the visitors having the better of the territory but a combination of doughty defence by the Leither's and questionable decision making by Porty meant that they were restricted to a solitary pot at goal by C-Bass. Unfortunately, the young prop's unconventional Davie Narey style delivery narrowly missed the target and struck the upright before bouncing to safety. Porty certainly looked the side more likely and some slick handling up the narrow side between Bag, Softy, Pete, Shrek and Ted almost broke the deadlock only for the final pass from Shrek to be adjudged forward and the skipper to be bundled into touch short of the whitewash.
Leith had a chance of their own when missed tackling saw their inside centre go one on one against veteran futility back, Danny Roarty. It may have been a premonition of things to come later that night, but something about the Porty fullback's appearance caused the Leith man to lose all control of the ball, which was ushered to safety by a baffled but relieved Roarster.
Half Time: (0) Leith vs. Portobello (0)
The second half saw changes at the back with Matt "Chocco" Payne coming on in place of Danny at the back. The blank scoresheet was swiftly sullied when Conboy slotted a regulation 3 points after Leith infringed at the side of a ruck near their own line. The home team presented the youngster with further attempts with one again hitting the woodwork and an ambitious halfway effort going the distance but fading narrowly wide. Leith sought to respond and looked in prime position to exploit extra men out wide, when the marooned blue and yellow defender Bawbag took a punt on the interception which paid off in spectacular fashion when he took the ball back half the length of the paddock to touch down under the sticks. C-Bass added the 2 points with Teutonic mechanical precision.
Further incursions to the opposition territory saw Portobello going close to extending their advantage, one particularly fine bit of back row link play saw Ted, Dicko and Keith exchange passes in a phase that carried them deep into Accies' 22. From the ensuing ruck the blue and whites once again couldn't resist a wee nibble round the sides and Connor did the necessaries with a swing of that pendulum-like boot.
Further reshuffling of the deck saw Sean Hollywood move out of the back row and on to the wing in place of try scorer Bulloch. It wasn't long before the big Irish librarian was showing his versatility and pace. From broken play on the halfway line the ball was swiftly and slickly transferred through the hands with Weirdo, Ted, C-Bass and Boyts all taking it on before finding it's way to the makeshift winger. Sean wasted no time in showing his opposite number a clean pair of heels, before standing the fullback up and sailing round him for an excellent try near the posts. The immortal MacLeod capped off his involvement in the score with the extras.
With the clock winding down further Leith indiscretions were punished at the feet of the young Cavalry points machine to give the final score a bit of gloss.
Full Time: (0) Leith vs. Portobello (23)
An efficient performance from Portobello with all 18 guys playing their part. Again they were ably assisted by well timed rolling replacements from the bench (with your author being subbed not once but twice, a first even for my chequered career!)
Great showings all round the park with the youthful front row (Connor, Chris Weir and Barry) more than holding their own against more seasoned opponents in the tight and exploiting their more sprighly limbs around the park. The second row combo of Shrek and Chris Davis showed up well in the loose and gave the Leith lineout plenty of headaches. The back row which at various stages featured Sean, Keith, Ted, Dicko and Pete all gave roving performances with ball in hand and defended stoutly when required.
In the backs Boyo kept the home team's back row on their toes with snipes. Softy rolled back the years and pounds with some elusive running and a shrewd kicking game. In the centres, Fraser and Emmet dovetailed nicely and both gave their opposite numbers torrid afternoons in attack and defence. Out wide both wings got themselves involved, Kevin taking his interception opportunity very well and Colby almost stealing the show with a lung (and tackle) bursting run that saw him hauled down just short. Big Chocco came on for the second period in the unaccustomed position of fullback but never looked out of place whether coming into the line or letting off one of his right booted howitzers.
Another step in the right direction for the good guys and a satisfying clean sheet against local rivals.
A very tight call with many contenders. Keith, Shrek, Softy and Sean all close but Captain Ed Henderson just pinches it with a back to his usual self
display.
Danny Roarty and Peter Griffin
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