On Sunday, Gorey hosted Tullow in what turned out to be a fiercely competitive and entertaining match. Both sides started brightly, with Tullow enjoying most of the early possession, but Gorey’s defence was rock solid. Big tackles from Joey O’Sullivan and Charlie Jones kept the visitors quiet and set the tone for the home side.

A Tullow knock-on gave Gorey their first real platform, and the scrum responded brilliantly. Strong work from Joe Ashmore-Butler, William Langrell, and Fiachra Kearney helped secure clean ball, which was quickly sent wide to Daniel Kennedy on the wing. He made excellent ground, and the team followed up with several well-controlled phases, recycling the ball patiently. Quick service from scrum-half Josh Allen opened space, and Fiachra powered over in the corner for the first try of the game. Fionn Morris stepped up for a tricky conversion that dropped just short, leaving Gorey 5–0 ahead.

Tullow looked to hit back immediately, but outstanding cover defence from Fionn and Harry Murphy bundled their winger into touch. Both teams enjoyed moments of pressure, but strong defence on each side kept scores down. A superb turnover from William looked promising, only for a knock-on to halt the momentum. As the pressure increased, Gorey began conceding penalties at the breakdown. After a team warning, captain William was unlucky to be the next infringer and received a yellow card. Tullow used the extra man well and crossed for their first try, though the conversion was missed, sending the sides into the break level at 5–5.

The second half carried on in the same competitive spirit, with both teams playing some excellent rugby. After Tullow forced a turnover, Jack Kearons produced a brilliant tackle on their number 8 to stop a dangerous break, but Gorey were caught offside moments later. Tullow opted to kick for goal and edged into an 8–5 lead.

Gorey responded with determination, enjoying long spells of possession but finding the Tullow defence tough to break down. With the clock running down, the tension grew—everyone knew a single moment could decide the match. Gorey came agonisingly close after a flowing move involving Fiachra, William, Joey, Lachlan, and Charlie sent the ball wide to Daniel, who was stopped just a few yards short of the line.

Almost with the final play, Tullow worked a move in the corner and finished well, converting to seal a 13–5 win for the visitors.

Well done to all the players from both teams for serving up a fantastic game. Thanks also to the referee and to the parents for providing food and support after the match.

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