GOREY’S J1s SLIP UP IN ASHBOURNE

Round 9 of the Leinster League 1A saw Gorey travel to Ashbourne last Saturday. A pulsating game that had everything including two yellow cards for the visitors saw them reduced to 13 in the space of two minutes. Gorey can be both disappointed and relieved to come away with a share of the points.

Gorey started the brighter and could have scored with two minutes on the clock if a pass had stuck. But it was not long until they did score when Michael Duke crossed for what look like a perfect try only for the lineman’s to overule the ref who had awarded the try for a foot in touch.

Gorey kept up the pressure and dominated proceedings but could not unlock the Ash defence. Ashbourne eventually lifted the siege and worked their way into the Gorey 22 for the first time. After some good phases they were awarded a penalty. From the lineout they mauled over to eventually score,

5 - 0 to Ashbourne.

Gorey were not long in replying and were finally rewarded when Stephen Duke split the Ash defence with a beautiful break to run in under the posts. James Nolan converted to put Gorey in front.

Gorey continued to press and should have extended their lead on at least two occasions and could have been out of sight at the break.

The second half saw Gorey extend their lead early as Ash struggled to suppress some strong running by Gardiner and his pack and when Gorey moved the ball wide Eddie Horan went over in the corner for a well worked team try. Nolan was just wide with the conversion attempt.

12 5 to Gorey.

Ashbourne responded and really for the remainder of the half were in control. When Gorey were reduced to 13 men within the space of two minutes the signs looked ominous. But as so many teams have found the Gorey defence remained intact, with Ashbourne unable to find a way through for that period.

Ashbourne were now ramping up their effort and Gorey who had controlled most of the game were now under pressure and even when restored to the full complement discipline was costing them territory.

Ash did get over but Gorey somehow held them up. Eventually the Ashbourne pressure paid off and they crossed for a try in the corner when phase after phase finally broke down the visitors defence.

A superb conversion drew the teams level to set up a final nervous 10 minutes for Gorey as Ash went for the winner.

Gorey held out to come away with a share of the spoils which keeps them in second place heading into the New Year.

Gorey had some good performances with James Nolan, Michael Duke and Steven Horan the pick of the backs. The forwards had some big performances too with Stephen Gardiner, Daragh O’Leary and Eddie Horan who was man of the match.

GOREY

D Bellanova B O Connor K Browne S Gardiner Capt.D O Leary K Breen E Horan S Hadden S Horan S Duke J Naughton J Nolan J Rothwell A Walsh M Duke T Jameson C Allen G Bater B Mason L Molloy R Harrington