Saturday 30^th September 2017

GOREY J1s LOSE OUT IN BATTLE OF ATTRITION

After a well-earned bonus point win in Boyne last weekend Gorey came crashing back to earth when they were beaten by a determined Wicklow on a score of 17 TO 7 in Clonattin.

In a game where all the scores came in the first half it was Wicklow who were the hungrier and stunned the home team with two very well taken tries to lead 14 - 0 with only minutes on the clock.

Wicklow were full value and kept up the pressure to extend their lead to 17 - 0. To be fair, Gorey did put a lot of phases together and did have lots of the ball, but the Wicklow defence was not for cracking. Gorey seemed determined to keep their attack in the narrow channels and it was only when they moved the ball wide that they started to make any ground. With seconds left in the first half they finally crossed for the try of the match, as they ran from deep in their own 22, good hands and some excellent interchanging between Andrew Walsh and David Shanahan saw Walsh cross between the posts, James Nolan converted.

17 - 7 was the score at halftime and unbelievably that was the way it remained until full time.

The second half saw Wicklow continue where they left off as they soaked up everything Gorey threw at them.

Gorey shaded the territory as they should, being at home, but as they were all day, were far too predictable in attack.

On the day Wicklow deserved their win. Gorey on the other hand need to go back to the drawing board as collectively the team did not perform and know that they are capable of better.

They now have a week to regroup with Ashbourne in Clonattin this coming Saturday.

W Rothwell B O Connor D Bellanova D O Leary S Gardiner

J Ahearne P Horan E Horan C Butler S Duke J Willoughby J Nolan A Walshe T New D Shanahan T Jameson D Gregan S Horan K Breen P Horan