On Tuesday night the 13s hosted Arklow in a friendly under lights on the main pitch.

The game, with most of the regulars rested, gave some boys a chance to impress, with many trying out different positions.

Captained by Charlie Earls, the team got a good start, a kick from Oisin getting them deep into Arklow territory. On 5 mins a good pick and go from Eoin OB led to an Oisin try which Harry converted.

Moments later Gorey's tackling went off the boil and Arklow's strong no 8 scored.

Some great tackling and work rate from Cayden helped get the boys back on track. A nice lineout steal from Jack C and Tadgh went close before Jeremi scored with Oisin converting.

Arklow came back strong and were stopped by a big hit into touch from Jamie. Unfortunately, a knock-on at the lineout and Arklow were in again.

Two notable moments either side of half time were an important turnover from David, playing 6 tonight, and his big brave tackle stopping the powerful number 8 off a scrum early in the 2nd half.

About 5 mins in some big carries from Jamie and Charlie led to a close-range penalty which Tadgh took quickly to dive over and score.

On 12 mins, a Jeremi lineout steal, and some slick hands in the backs got the ball wide to Donagh who showed some great gas and a deft off-load for Patrick to finish well and make it all the way to the posts, converted by Harry.

From the restart Jack claimed and ran, jinked and bashed through traffic to score a great individual try, converted by the versatile Dave.

Arklow were not done and close to the end their strong 13 broke some tackles to score a converted try.

Full-time Gorey win 33-17

It was great to get to watch some of the less frequent starters get a good run out and get the win.

They really did us and themselves proud today, with a few pleasantly surprising performances in unfamiliar positions.

Honourable mentions ..

Jamie and Cayden were very busy and effective.

Jack C and Jeremi had some great moments.

Tadgh did well cleaning up some tricky moments.  Harry and Oisin did well with boot and ball.  1st time wing forwards David and Heath really got stuck in, with some big moments from David earning him Man of the match.