UNDER 19s WIN THE SOUTH EAST LEAGUE FINAL 

Gorey 43 Carlow 8

What a difference a week makes? Gorey U19s banished the All-Ireland defeat to Malone in emphatic style at home on Friday night, to add the South-East trophy to their Leinster title. In doing so, Gorey played with a freedom of expression combined with an intensity which on the night proved irresistible. And achieved victory over a Carlow team featuring a huge pack and fortified by three recruits from the disbanded Kilkenny U19 team.

Gorey's team selections perhaps set the tone, inviting adventure from the team. Frank Bellanova's increasing comfort at tight head prop allowed Will O Morchoe's return to a more physical backrow combination. Danny Hughes, initially as hooker, acted as an additional open-side flanker at times with a number of superb line-breaks. Niall Brohan at scrum-half turned quick ruckball into attacking opportunity. And Conor Hatton had an excellent return to full-back, turning Carlow clearance into Gorey attack.

Gorey took advantage of a fading wind in the first half but Stephen Scallan's early mazy run suggested that on this occasion, ground would be gained more by keeping the ball to hand. Unfortunately, Gorey had to be told repeatedly how this referee likes a hands free breakdown and the concession of early infringements allowed Carlow open the score with a penalty kick after seven minutes. The pack contest was intense and tightly fought. Dean Redmond took a Carlow line-out at the front pod only for Carlow to take a scrum against the head. But gradually Gorey racked up the intensity forcing Carlow handing errors and penalty concessions. Spurning a long penalty kick Captain Jordan Ahearn chose instead to kick for a lineout deep in the Carlow 22. Subsequent Gorey pressure produced the inevitable try from close in by the unstoppable Stephen Gardiner. Conor Hatton landed the conversion and a subsequent penalty and Gorey tails were up.

As if unshackled, Gorey continued to increase the pressure. Eddie Earle was a nuisance all night. James Sinnott took flat ball superbly from Niall Brohan to breach the gainline and send the formidable Carlow pack in reverse. In the last minutes of the first half, Stephen Gardiner added two further tries, one converted by Conor Hatton, to give Gorey a 22-3 half time lead.

The second half started like the first, with Gorey having to re-learn the referee's calling of the breakdown. Infringements allowed Carlow a foothold in the Gorey 22 and they forced their way over for a classic forwards try cutting the deficit to fourteen points. But Gorey's response was instant and emphatic. Stealing a Carlow lineout overthrow, Stephen Gardiner spearheaded an attack into the Carlow 22. Quick re-cycling and slick handling in the backs gave Stephen Scallan the try of the night in the left corner. Conor Hatton nailed the conversion and the huge and vocal Clonattin crowd sensed this was to be Gorey's night. Gorey started to spill the bench and the backs chose to run whenever the chance arose. Sean Byrne made huge yardage through the centre but was tackled just before he could pass. Jordan Ahearn found more space in midfield and caused Carlow all sorts of troubles. He crowned his performance taking the ball in the out half channel and running from the 22 to score under the posts putting the game beyond doubt.

The game's final try came from a blind-side scrum move with Danny Hughes, now at flanker, making ground down the left touchline for Ahearn to score in the corner. Stephen Duke landed the touchline conversion. And without a kicking tee! It was just one of those nights for Gorey where it all seemed to fall into place. A champion's performance in what has been a marvelous season for this team. And this club.

Gorey:
Conor Hatton,
Stephen Scallan,
Clement Power,
Sean Byrne,
Sean Carty,
Stephen Duke,
Niall Brohan,
James Sinnott,
Danny Hughes,
Frank Bellanova,
Dean Redmond,
Stephen Gardiner,
Eddie Earle,
Jordan Aherne [Capt],
Wiliam O Morchoe,
Subs:
Dan O Loughlin,
Andrew Walsh,
Niall O Brien,
Robert Harrington,
Dominic Surace,
Kyle Askins.