Sunday the 6th of April the entire Gorey U13s squad, in their tour gear, got the bus for the trip to Portlaoise to play Newbridge in the Leinster league Premier division final.  The 1.30 kick-off was greeted with a lovely sunny but breezy day.  

Newbridge won the toss and chose to play with the wind.  The tension from being in their first final was evident on the players and coaches faces.  The game started with the same intensity as our last meeting, with both teams' intent to make it their day, again the majority of the game played in the middle of the pitch.  

5 minutes in a Newbridge break and almost certain try was stopped by the ever-reliable fullback Jack Robins.  On 12 mins Newbridge were awarded a penalty and kicked the 3 points.  Gorey's scrums seemed to be dominant, frustrating Newbridge's plans and winning a couple against the head.  The strong breeze prevented a good effort from Oisin at a 3 pointer, but a big tackle from number 7, Sam halted the exit on the 22, Gorey pressure led to a penalty, Oisin carried and pulled off a great offload for our roving 6 Andrew to score , the wind again denying Oisin.

Just before halftime a ferocious penalty move from Hugh and the pack, made great yards, eventually leading to an opportunity to try a new penalty move, deception and strong running and Andrew was in again. The wind again held the kick short.

Halftime score 10 -3

I'm afraid my note taking wasn't as good in the 2nd half due to nail biting, but some moments of note were a big Conn tackle and Sam steal.  Finn had a great game and went very close to scoring, Ronan had a brilliant run being just denied by the touchline, and storming runs from Eoin and Andrew and the lads getting better return from kicks.

With 10 mins to go, Gorey chose to kick a penalty with Harry stroking it over bringing the score to 13-3.    The immense battle continued with Alex pulling off a wonderful cover tackle to save Gorey's line.  On 21 mins, Newbridge pulled off a penalty move of their own and scored in the corner, not managing to convert bringing the score to 13-8.  The final score remaining  Gorey 13 - 8.

 

This was Gorey's day and the big tackles and ferocious rucking kept coming from the boys until the final whistle.  The tension was released with shouts of joy and fists in the air from the lads and big manly hugs among the coaches.  The boys were brilliant today, each one giving it their all with sore bodies to prove it.  The rucking on both sides of the ball was brilliant today, as was the defensive effort by all.  

They all deserve it but today's man of the match goes to our 13 Paddy, for doing exactly what we asked of him and made statement tackles and carries.  Thanks to Newbridge for a proper final, and Portlaoise for hosting the day.  A big thanks to all the fantastic support on the day and throughout the year. Also a big thank you to all the Referees & Match Officials without whom we could not play our league. 

Next week we get to do it all again facing Newbridge in the Cup semi in Carlow.