Athy hosted Gorey 13s on a windy but bright and dry morning for our first Leinster league game. Despite some injuries leading to a slightly changed squad, the team took to the field with perhaps a few more nerves than usual. However, all that changed three minutes in with a solid scrum and some good hands giving debutant Paddy Fanning the chance to score a good try, though the wind pulled the conversion attempt wide.

Five minutes later, some solid work by the pack gave the backs a chance to try a training park switch move, and Paddy crossed for try number two with Oisin taking the conversion. Great scrum pressure by Gorey saw the ever-reliable Jack Robbins claiming the high ball and feeding Paddy for try number three, but again the wind denied the extras.

With five minutes left in the first half, a great lineout steal by Finn Brannigan and some slick hands and running lines gave Zach Bailey the chance to touchdown on his opposite wing. Once more, the wind proved too much for the kick attempt. Just on halftime, somewhat against the run of play, Athy scored a well-taken breakaway try.

Five minutes after the break, some great pressure from Gorey and a pick-and-go by Andrew Bailey saw him power over under the posts, with Harry Swaine working out the wind to take the conversion. Straight from the restart, Thomas Rothwell stormed half the pitch to score under the posts, with Harry on target again.

A more even ten minutes followed until Eoin Wafer decided to take charge, and his big carry was rewarded with a score under the posts for Harry to convert. Heavy sustained pressure, where any number of opportunities to score arose, led to a close-range scrum with Eoin picking and crashing over for his second try, though this conversion proved too difficult.

Special mention to Paddy Fanning on debut, Ryan Hughes who tackled everything, and man of the match Thomas Rothwell, who was busy and hardworking throughout the game.

Match Report by Sarah Earls