Friday 12th September – KO 7.30pm, Wicklow
Gorey’s U18.5 Boys travelled to Wicklow on Friday evening for a highly anticipated clash under lights, and the large crowd in attendance were treated to a thrilling game of rugby from start to finish.
The opening exchanges were a tense affair with both sides locked in battle around the middle of the park, neither giving an inch. The deadlock was eventually broken in spectacular fashion by Gorey captain Rory Cooper, who picked up possession on halfway and produced a dazzling solo run, jinking past five or six defenders before being hauled down illegally close to the line. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, handing Gorey the early advantage.
Wicklow responded immediately from the restart, punishing some indecision in the Gorey backline. Sustained pressure inside the 22 eventually told, as the hosts went over to level the game after 17 minutes.
The pattern continued with both sides enjoying moments of dominance. Gorey pressed again and with 22 minutes gone, Sean Lewandowski finished off some strong build-up play to cross for a fine try, which Cooper converted. Wicklow, however, hit back once more from the restart, scoring in the corner but missing the difficult conversion to leave it 14–12. Shortly after, Cooper slotted a penalty to stretch Gorey’s lead to 17–12, but Wicklow had the final say of the half with another try, ensuring the teams went in level at 17–17 at the break.
The second half saw both teams introduce fresh legs, and for Gorey the likes of scrum-half Harry Griffiths, Darragh McLoughlin, and Jacob Smullen made notable contributions – Smullen in particular getting through a mountain of work to keep the powerful Wicklow pack honest.
With 20 minutes to play, Wicklow regained the lead with a converted try to make it 22–17. Gorey, however, showed great resilience. Relentless pressure finally paid off when Damien Brennan capped a superb personal performance with a try under the posts, Cooper adding the simple conversion to put Gorey back in front 24–22.
The final 10 minutes were nail-biting as Wicklow threw everything forward, pinning Gorey back to their own 5m line. But the visitors’ defence stood tall, forcing a crucial error that allowed them to clear their lines and see out the game.
Full-time: Gorey RFC 24 – 22 Wicklow RFC
A gritty performance and an important away win for Gorey, built on strong leadership, brave defence, and clinical finishing when it mattered most.
🔵⚪🟢 #GoreyRFC #GoreyRugby #ClubColours
Gorey’s U18.5 Boys travelled to Wicklow on Friday evening for a highly anticipated clash under lights, and the large crowd in attendance were treated to a thrilling game of rugby from start to finish.
The opening exchanges were a tense affair with both sides locked in battle around the middle of the park, neither giving an inch. The deadlock was eventually broken in spectacular fashion by Gorey captain Rory Cooper, who picked up possession on halfway and produced a dazzling solo run, jinking past five or six defenders before being hauled down illegally close to the line. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, handing Gorey the early advantage.
Wicklow responded immediately from the restart, punishing some indecision in the Gorey backline. Sustained pressure inside the 22 eventually told, as the hosts went over to level the game after 17 minutes.
The pattern continued with both sides enjoying moments of dominance. Gorey pressed again and with 22 minutes gone, Sean Lewandowski finished off some strong build-up play to cross for a fine try, which Cooper converted. Wicklow, however, hit back once more from the restart, scoring in the corner but missing the difficult conversion to leave it 14–12. Shortly after, Cooper slotted a penalty to stretch Gorey’s lead to 17–12, but Wicklow had the final say of the half with another try, ensuring the teams went in level at 17–17 at the break.
The second half saw both teams introduce fresh legs, and for Gorey the likes of scrum-half Harry Griffiths, Darragh McLoughlin, and Jacob Smullen made notable contributions – Smullen in particular getting through a mountain of work to keep the powerful Wicklow pack honest.
With 20 minutes to play, Wicklow regained the lead with a converted try to make it 22–17. Gorey, however, showed great resilience. Relentless pressure finally paid off when Damien Brennan capped a superb personal performance with a try under the posts, Cooper adding the simple conversion to put Gorey back in front 24–22.
The final 10 minutes were nail-biting as Wicklow threw everything forward, pinning Gorey back to their own 5m line. But the visitors’ defence stood tall, forcing a crucial error that allowed them to clear their lines and see out the game.
Full-time: Gorey RFC 24 – 22 Wicklow RFC
A gritty performance and an important away win for Gorey, built on strong leadership, brave defence, and clinical finishing when it mattered most.
🔵⚪🟢 #GoreyRFC #GoreyRugby #ClubColours
