Fitzpatrick to the fore as Portarlington win local derby against Portlaoise

Portarlington twice came from behind to emerge victorious over Portlaoise on Saturday evening in Togher. Jordan Fitzpatrick, standing in at fly half for Andrew Evans, scored two tries and kicked three conversions to win the game for the away side.

Laois derbies don't come around very often in rugby, so this was a big occasion. Both sides came into the game having won their opening two fixtures in impressive fashion.

Portarlington 21

Portlaoise 17

The key battles were always going to be a decisive factor. Portlaoise's Jack Reddin and Portarlington's Adam Lamkin provide the creative spark for their respective teams. They marshal their backlines well and bring an added kicking element to their sides. Each man lined out at inside centre for this game, but both are proficient across the backline, from scrum half all the way to full back.

At Number 8, Portlaoise' Ross Cooper and Portarlington's Jack Hennessy play a critical role for their sides. The two are the driving force of each pack, and their importance was on show once again here.

Mark Sherlock provides the leadership in the Portlaoise pack, but his veteran counterpart, Stephen Oakley was absent from the Portarlington line-up. The visitors were also missing talisman Warren Murray from the back row. He, along with Oakley, called the lineouts and set the tone for Port.

With both missing, there was a lot of responsibility on Jack Hennessy's shoulders, but he carried it well.

The hosts got off to the better start, taking the lead after just four minutes. But 20 minutes later and Portarlington were level when Jordan Fitzpatrick crossed the try-line. Fitzpatrick added the conversion to nudge the visitors in front. A low-scoring first half finished with Portarlington 7-5 ahead.

The hosts regained the lead five minutes after half time when they crossed for a second try. But just five minutes later Jordan Fitzpatrick went over for his second try of the game as Port went seven points clear. Portarlington had the momentum and got another try just three minutes later through the marauding Jack Hennessy.

Portlaoise continued to fight and touched down for their third try with ten minutes remaining. But Portarlington held on in the final period to win the game by four points.

They will welcome Roscrea to Lea Road next week, while Portlaoise will travel to Birr.