Sunday 15th Feb saw us travel to Carlow for a top 3 league clash. On< a rare bright sunny afternoon, Carlow received the kick-off with the wind and sun at their backs.
Gorey got off to a somewhat slower than normal start with some loose passing and a promising 22 lineout lost in the 1st part of the match.
The next tew passages were mostly played deep in Carlow territory, moments of note ... a big Thomas counter ruck and a Hugh steel, ending with another lost lineout on the 22.
Some big Darragh carries and some great tackling from Sam still couldn't turn the game in Gorey's favour.
A good run from Andrew was ended by a big Carlow hit resulting in a correct, if rather harsh, yellow card and team warning, just before half-time. The resulting penalty saw Thomas play heads up and he took a long winding run to score in the corner. Half-time 5-0.
The 2nd half
Another big, return to form, tackle from Andrew after 5 minutes led to a penalty move, Hugh and Tom punching holes to set up Wafer to burst over. 10-0.
7 mins later, Carlow showed their threats taking a converted try to tighten things up at 10-7.
This seemed to awaken the true spirit of this team. Straight from the kickoff a pressing chase and tackle from Andrew and a great ruck and steal from Thomas, pushed Carlow to carry and touchdown over their own line. The 5 yard scrum with the inevitable Wafer pick and good work from Thomas, ended in a try for Harry with 10 left to play. 15-7
A massive scrum won against the head in the centre of the park saw Ben get very close on the wing. Charlie pulled off a big strip tackle to earn a Gorey scrum, the following phases of great rucking and carries set up Eoin for his second try with 5 mins left on the clock. 20-7.
There were some good kicks from Harry, Paddy and Alex keeping territory pressure on Carlow.
Almost the last phase of the game saw a good charge down from Andrew, resulting in Thomas crossing again after a great burst down the wing, unfortunately ruled a double movement.
Full-time Gorey 20- Carlow 7.
As always with Carlow it was a tough physical battle. The backs put in a good shift and it was great to see Andrews big hits return, but today was a forwards day with close range hits and carries and great rucking to the fore.
They could all be named but a few points of note.
Hugh ..some great decoy work keeping Carlows defence honest along with his usual threats.
Ronan.. mastering the high ball and the unfamiliar no.6 position.
Thomas ..back to some of his best off the ball work.
This weeks Man of the Match award goes to Sam.. a real energizer menace of a 7 performance, some good carries, a huge tackle count with some big shots, constant pressure and ever-present at ruck time.
Thanks to Carlow for a great tough game. Up next a friendly trip to Arklow.
Gorey got off to a somewhat slower than normal start with some loose passing and a promising 22 lineout lost in the 1st part of the match.
The next tew passages were mostly played deep in Carlow territory, moments of note ... a big Thomas counter ruck and a Hugh steel, ending with another lost lineout on the 22.
Some big Darragh carries and some great tackling from Sam still couldn't turn the game in Gorey's favour.
A good run from Andrew was ended by a big Carlow hit resulting in a correct, if rather harsh, yellow card and team warning, just before half-time. The resulting penalty saw Thomas play heads up and he took a long winding run to score in the corner. Half-time 5-0.
The 2nd half
Another big, return to form, tackle from Andrew after 5 minutes led to a penalty move, Hugh and Tom punching holes to set up Wafer to burst over. 10-0.
7 mins later, Carlow showed their threats taking a converted try to tighten things up at 10-7.
This seemed to awaken the true spirit of this team. Straight from the kickoff a pressing chase and tackle from Andrew and a great ruck and steal from Thomas, pushed Carlow to carry and touchdown over their own line. The 5 yard scrum with the inevitable Wafer pick and good work from Thomas, ended in a try for Harry with 10 left to play. 15-7
A massive scrum won against the head in the centre of the park saw Ben get very close on the wing. Charlie pulled off a big strip tackle to earn a Gorey scrum, the following phases of great rucking and carries set up Eoin for his second try with 5 mins left on the clock. 20-7.
There were some good kicks from Harry, Paddy and Alex keeping territory pressure on Carlow.
Almost the last phase of the game saw a good charge down from Andrew, resulting in Thomas crossing again after a great burst down the wing, unfortunately ruled a double movement.
Full-time Gorey 20- Carlow 7.
As always with Carlow it was a tough physical battle. The backs put in a good shift and it was great to see Andrews big hits return, but today was a forwards day with close range hits and carries and great rucking to the fore.
They could all be named but a few points of note.
Hugh ..some great decoy work keeping Carlows defence honest along with his usual threats.
Ronan.. mastering the high ball and the unfamiliar no.6 position.
Thomas ..back to some of his best off the ball work.
This weeks Man of the Match award goes to Sam.. a real energizer menace of a 7 performance, some good carries, a huge tackle count with some big shots, constant pressure and ever-present at ruck time.
Thanks to Carlow for a great tough game. Up next a friendly trip to Arklow.
