GOREY J1S START DIV 1A WITH A HOME WIN
18/09/2016
Gorey got their second season in Division 1A off to a winning start when they overcame a strong DLSP in Clonattin last Saturday. A changed Gorey team took to the field with probably the youngest pack ever to represent the club a cause for trepidation for the home support. On a beautiful day for rugby and with a perfect pitch the stage was set for a cracking game as the corresponding fixture last season was one of the better games.
DLSP started the brighter as their bigger and more experience pack took the game to the home team. Gorey weathered this initial assault, and eventually arrived in the visitors 22, but sustained pressure on the visitors line ended with nothing for their endeavours. Both teams were working hard but the defences were proving hard to break down. As Salmo attacked a Gorey turnover, deep in their half, released the Gorey backs and quick hands saw the elusive Nevil Copeland race down the field to put hooker Barry O Connor in for the opening try, David Shannon was narrowly wide with the conversion. A seemingly easy penalty for Salvo sailed by the post and as halftime arrived Gorey just about deserved their 5 - 0 lead.
The second half saw Gorey again on the front foot in the early exchanges. As in the first half both defences were proving hard to break down as it took until the 68 minute for the next score, when Gorey crossed for a try, with David Shannon touching down & converting to put Gorey 12 - 0 up. This seemed to spur Salmo as their bigger and more experienced pack started to shade the exchanges. They finally crossed the line to reduce Gorey's lead to 12 - 5. Within minutes they were to draw level, after a cracking try from their centre, who raced in under the posts. The game was heading for a draw, but Gorey somehow managed to get a grip of proceedings, with indiscipline costing Salmo. Gorey were awarded a penalty, with two minutes left on the clock, David Shannon split the posts to put Gorey back in front.
In a tense game the home team get full marks for endeavour as they never gave up and move on to an away fixture in Monkstown next week. It is hard to pick out individuals in such a game but Barry O Connor, Mark & Ben Horan were the pick of the pack with Nevil Copeland & David Shannon showing well in the backs.
Team - 1. Will Kearney 2. Barry O Connor 3. Darragh Bellanova 4. Adam Masterson 5. Alex Bond 6. Donnacha Carroll 7. Ben Horan 8. Mark Whelan 9. Gareth Bater 10. Josh Thomas 11. Nevil Copeland 12. Matt Bater 13. Gary Rynhart 14. Andrew Walshe 15. David Shannon. Will Rothwell, Eddie Horan, Heino Gaiser, Stephen Horan, Eoin Walsh
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