GARDINER LEADS FROM THE FRONT

An excellent display from Captain Stephen Gardiner saw Gorey just about deserve

the points in an entertaining game at Clonattin on Saturday last.

Gorey got off to a good start but could not find a rhythm to capitalise on their

territorial advantage as the Bective defence stood up well.

It took a tremendous linebreak by Captain Stephen Gardiner that finally cracked the

visitors defence and having done all the hard work he offloaded to Ethan Badham to

go in under the posts. James Nolan added the conversion.

Gorey should have kicked-on but Bective started to find some momentum and belief.

It did not take them long to take advantage and they drew level with a try and

conversion which left the sides level at the break.

After the break Bective quickly added a penalty to take the lead.

Bective shocked the home support when they went over for a try to extend their lead

to 15 - 7.

Staring defeat and with still 25 minutes left on the clock Gorey started to put some

phases together. A continuous barrage into the Bective 22 with some good carries

by the pack finally showing results. A James Nolan penalty reduced the lead to one

score.

From the restart Gorey were again back on the attack. They looked to be going over

in the corner but a deliberate knock on saw Bective reduced to 14.

They did not have to wait long with the resulting lineout and a number of phases later

winger Andrew Walsh finally crossed after the visitors defence ran out of numbers.

Bective did not lie down and when Gorey had a penalty decision reversed they

kicked deep into the Gorey half. From the next phases of play a crucial try-saving

tackle by Eddie Horan in the corner saw Gorey win the subsequent lineout.  Gorey

worked their way out and quick hands  through the backs saw Andrew Walsh race

from deep inside his 22 to outstrip the Bective defence to put Gorey 20 - 15 with 10

minutes left on the clock.

It was still not over as Bective tried to get back but Gorey hung on for a crucial win to

stay in second place.

Gorey has some good performances with Michael Duke, James Nolan and Andrew

Walsh the pick of the backs. The forwards were not found wanting either with Kevin

Brown, Stanley Hadden and man of the match Steven Gardiner showing well.

Gorey are away to Kilkenny next week with the first round of the Towns Cup Sunday

20th with Portlaoise providing the opposition in Clonattin.

GOREY

D Bellanova E Badham K Browne S Gardiner Capt E Horan K Breen B Mason S

Hadden S Horan  S Duke R Harrington J Nolan J Rothwell A Walsh M Duke T

Jameson  E Walsh J Naughton L Stephens D Gregan