GOREY STAY TOP

A bonus point win over Kilkenny saw Gorey extend their unbeaten run to maintain pole position in the Leinster League on Saturday last.

Gorey had to work hard for this win as Kilkenny never gave up and despite their lowly league position provided a stern test for the home side.

Gorey started the game well and an early James Nolan penalty settled any nerves.

Gorey continued to press and good work by the pack saw them force Kilkenny deep into their 22. A penalty to the corner saw Gorey maul for the line for Eddie Horan to touch down.

For the next ten minutes it was all Gorey but somehow the visitors managed to survive and as they were working their way up field a quick footed Jordan Ahern chose his moment to intercept and run in to extend Gorey’s lead. James Nolan added the conversion to leave the score 17 - 0.

With halftime approaching Kilkenny rallied and managed to work their way up field and forced a penalty. They kicked to the corner. Gorey dealt with the maul but Kilkenny retained possession and it paid off when Simon O’Shea finished off to leave 10 between the sides at the break.

The second half saw Kilkenny up their game with Gorey soaking up a number of attacks. Gorey were patient and try number three came 15 minutes in when Gorey upped the pressure. A barraging run from Captain Steven Gardiner with phase after phase finally seeing Jordan Ahern dive over for a try. Nolan added the conversion to take the score to 24 - 7.

Kilkenny would not going away and from the restart camped in the Gorey half for the next ten minutes. Good ball retention saw them reduce the Gorey lead with a well worked try in the corner after Gorey were reduced to 14 with a yellow card for a high tackle.

From the restart Kilkenny gathered and using the wind kicked deep into the Gorey half. But Gorey were now in search of a bonus point and some huge carries from Captain Steven Gardiner, Jordan Ahern and co. saw Gorey soon returned to the red zone. A powerful run from Eoin Walsh was just stopped short, but Aidan O’Brien was on hand to take it on and popped it to Walsh to go over for Gorey’s first bonus point of the campaign, Nolan added the conversion to leave the score at 31 - 12.

The game was done and dusted but Kilkenny never gave up and could have added to their score after a good phase of play.

The match finished with Gorey retaining their unbeaten run to remain top of the league for another week.

Gorey had some good performances with Aidan O’Brien, Steven Duke and James Nolan the pick of the backs. Stephen Gardiner, Eoin Walsh and man of the match Jordan Ahern were excellent in a good forward performance.

Gorey are away to Boyne next week kick off is at 3pm

GOREY

D Bellanova E Batham C Allen S Gardiner Capt. T Jamison K Breen E Horan J Ahearne A O Brien S Duke J Naughton J Nolan J Rothwell C Power R Harrington E Walshe S Hadden L Molloy D Gregan R Brooks