2nd Feb 2013

Gorey 39 Roscrea-Birr Rebels 5
 
Gorey returned to competitive fixtures after a seven week lay-off in emphatic style at Clonattin on Saturday. Blessed with an almost full squad and by a beautiful clear day, they produced a solid if not perfectly fluid display to overhaul an increasingly dis-spirited Roscrea-Birr side.

Gorey settled early and a James Nolan penalty on 3 minutes settled the nerves somewhat. A yellow card following a dangerous tackle on Conor Hatton gave Gorey an opportunity to extend their lead. Pouncing on a loosely tapped line-out ball on half-way, Josh White made one of his many line-breaks. Quick ruck re-cycling and quick hands right to left put outside centre James Nolan through and he ran 45 metres to touch down extending the lead to eight points.

Gorey faltered a little at this stage, perhaps taking their foot off the pedal. They struggled to retain possession shipping penalties for ruck infringements and inaccuracy in the offload. Most of the remainder of the first half belonged to the Rebels pack who retained well through the phases eventually crossing for an unconverted try from close in. It was to prove their final score of the match.

Gorey succeeded in putting more width on the ball in the second half and it paid early dividends. Again a Josh White line-break was the provider eventually putting Rory O'Toole into space on the left wing. An excellent tackle stopped the movement just short.  But an excellent ruck clear-out by Sean Byrne and Conor Hatton allowed Josh White to pick and drive over the line from close in.

Now Gorey tails were up. A Rebels clearance was fielded on halfway by Rory O'Toole and he countered passing right. Josh White again broke the gainline finding Stephen Gardiner in support. Rapid re-cycling again gave James Nolan an opportunity to show his pace. And he demonstrated just why he this year's Irish Youth U18s captain pinning his ears back from 45 metres to score on the right. He added the touchline conversion extending the lead to 20-5 entering the final quarter.

Rebels were now dis-heartened and Gorey continued to apply the pressure. The Gorey line-out, with J.J. Earle throwing, was functioning very well. The scrum , which initially belonged to Rebels was now more evenly contested. Gorey pretty much bossed the breakdown with Donnchadh Carroll, Fergal Bolger, Harry Woods and Stephen Gardiner a constant nuisance.  

Gorey added three further tries in the final quarter. A close-in lunge following a ruck by Conor Hatton. A beautiful soft shoulder line from centre Sean Byrne. And a wonderful corner-flag hitting touch-down by Stephen Duke following up a peach of a kick by out-half Sean O Connor.

Gorey have much still to do to retain their Leinster crown. But, especially after such a long lay-off,  this performance suggests they are still very much on track. Next up, a semi-final against Athy.
 
Gorey: Conor Hatton, Jack Cleary, Sean Byrne, James Nolan, Brian Brookes, Sean O Connor, Robert Harrington, James Mulligan, Danny Hughes, J.J. Earle,  David Condren, Harry Woods, Fergal Bolger [Capt], Donnchadh Carroll, Josh White.  Subs: Rory O Toole, Sean Mahon, Stephen Gardiner, Stephen Duke, Eoin Walsh, Peter Spencer, Paddy Chapman.