Boyce posts sole try in away-day defeat against Limavady

The trip to take on Limavady seconds resulted in defeat by 39-7 - with Portadown preparations disrupted by a late arrival due to difficult travel conditions.

Limavady took advantage of the visitors’ limited warm-up time to produce early pressure and, ultimately, a first try.

Portadown regrouped in response but hopes of a fightback suffered a setback when Gareth Hutton was forced to retire from the fixture due to his hand injury.

It led to the introduction of senior vice-president Neil Irwin, who had only made the trip due to the firsts’ postponement but joined the action after 10 minutes.

Limavady’s second try sparked a positive period for the town men that produced a path deep into the hosts’ territory.

Glenn McCullagh’s quick tap off a penalty presented captain Keith Boyce with an opening for the sole Portadown try, which Stan Hamilton converted.

Limavady’s late flourish led to additional points and additional problems for Portadown due to Ross Davies’ yellow card and injuries to Boyce, Matthew Beale and Stuart Lyness.

As a result, Portadown had just 12 players for large periods of play.

YOUTH

The opening under 18s’ Nutty Krust Floodlit Tournament date resulted in victory for Banbridge over Ballynahinch.