Gorey J1s Remain Unbeaten
The only unbeaten teams left in Division 1B went head to head in
Clonattin on Sunday 12/10.This game was billed as the clash of the day
as the two early pace setters in Division 1B like to play an open and
attacking brand of rugby. The huge crowd came expecting a cracking game
and they were not disappointed. The ideal weather conditions suited both
teams, and the home team were first out of the blocks after sustained
pressure saw Wicklow penalised for Shane Luby to slot over. Further
pressure saw Gorey extend their lead when Shane Luby cut through the
Wicklow defence to send Nevil Copeland through for a fantastic try which
Shane Luby converted. Gorey should of extended their lead with another
penalty and Wicklow were themselves unlucky with two penalty chances.
Also a fantastic try saving tackle by Jeff Dunne kept the Gorey line
intact. The halftime whistle sounded with Gorey 10 - 0 up which was
probably a fair reflection on the first half.
Wicklow kicked
off the second half with the breeze at their backs, but it was Gorey who
drew first blood when Shane Luby sat back in the pocket to land the
perfect drop goal. The big Wicklow pack worked hard to get themselves
back in the game, and a penalty in front of the posts reduced the score
and saw Gorey loose a man with a yellow card. Wicklow started moving the
ball wide but the Gorey defended well. Eventually Wicklow did score a
try in the corner to reduce Gorey's lead to 13 - 8. Gorey stayed focus
when in other years they might have panicked. The backrow of Jordan
Ahern, Ben Horan and Jeff Dunne were very influential in the closing
minutes and as Gorey closed out the game they pushed Wicklow deep into
their 22 and after sustained pressure Ciaran Allen crashed over, to take
the score to 18 - 8. But Wicklow never gave up and secured a bonus
point with a late penalty in injury time with the final score at 18 -
11.
Gorey had some outstanding performances on the day with
Jeff Dunne, Jordan Ahern and Adrian Copeland the pick of a strong
pack,and Nevil Copeland and halfbacks Gareth Bater showed well in a
very impressive backline. Gorey are away to Longford next Sunday, while
the next home game is on Sunday November 2 against old rivals Kilkenny
with a 2.30 kick off.
Team, J. Mulligan, B.O Connor, C. Allen,
A. Copeland, J.P. Redmond, J. Ahern, D. Dunne, F. Bolger, G. Bater, S.
Luby, M. Bater, S. Byrne, J. Condren, S O Leary, N. Copeland, B.Horan,
R. Deering, T. Tomkins, R. Harrington, S O Connor
Copyrights Gorey RFC 2022