Sunday 12th Jan Gorey U13's hosted Longford in the Leinster league in our 1st game of 2025.

With a large squad available again we had the opportunity to play 3 x 20 min sessions and rotate players to get game time for all.

Gorey captained by Noah started strong early pressure and some great support from Adam, who is making a habit of being in the place he is most needed, Andrew was on hand to run in the try, converted by Noah.  Almost immediately some lovely flowing rugby again saw Andrew cross the line and Noah converting. 14-0 at half time.

The 2nd 20 started with Andrew completing his hat trick converted by Harry.  Shortly afterwards Hugh who had some powerful carries was finally rewarded with a try converted by Harry.  Longford who despite what the score line suggestion made Gorey work and kept us honest got rewarded for a period of great pressure scoring a converted try with 10 mins left to play in the half. 

Gorey replied well and again some lovely team play led to Jack "Robo" going very close and taking a big knock before bravely popping to Jack Robins to score converted by Harry.  Full time Gorey 35 Longford 7. 

The final 20 started with the remaining players taking their positions.  Finn ,who had a great half, made a lovely hard running break supported by Sam who scored in the corner.  Some good rucking by Longford saw them rewarded with another converted try.  A period of lovely play and great pressure gave Finn another chance to break and score.

Gorey finished out the game with a period of brilliant rucking and counter rucking with Ronan, leaving his gumshield on the grass, making a great powerful run to score his first Gorey try.

It was a great game with lots to make the coaches proud of our team who are really starting to play for each other.

A few special mentions...

Andrew and Eoin Wafer and Paddy who worked hard and imposed themselves in contact.

Jamie on his 1st start tackled ruthlessly.

Man of the match Sam for his usual relentless tackling and rucking.

Particularly pleasing to the coaches was seeing all the backs rucking with intent out in their own parts of the pitch. Onwards and upwards Team.