On Sunday last Gorey hosted Naas in the McGowan cup with a place in the last 4 up for grabs. Gorey who were up against a strong wind in the first half started well, Ciaran, William and James all making big carries.
Gorey were very much on top early on led by their captain William who was getting through a huge amount of work both in defence and attack. Naas to their credit were defending well, as Gorey seen try opportunities come and go as both James and Jack were held up yards short. The break though finally came from another carry from William the ball was set up for Ciaran but he was well tackled, Emmet then found Charlie who done well to wiggle though a few tackles and finish superbly, the try was just reward for Charlie who put in a huge performance right from the first whistle. Ronan added the extras with an unbelievable kick against the wind 7-0.
Ronan was now flying and made a great run beating at least 4 defenders before the 5th finally took him down halftime 7-0.
Going into the second half the weather turned wet which seen both teams make a few handling errors. Gorey who had put huge effort into the first half against the wind were now visible tiring and Nass were pushing hard for a score to level the game.
Gorey was defending well with Joe time after time winning turnovers that really he had no right too.
The pressure finally told and Naas managed to score under the sticks to level the game 7-7.
Joey was continuing to cause problems for Naas out wide as Gorey looked to hit back, but Naas too were still looking to attack and it looked like they might get in again but a great tackle from Ciaran drove the Naas winger out over the touch line, it was the tackle of the the match and full credit must go to Ciaran who showed huge determination to make up the ground to make the tackle.
Gorey then slowly regained control and played the final stages in the Naas 22, Ronan had a penalty attempt to give Gorey the lead but seen his effort drift just to the right, Naas knew they would have to try run it from their own try line but Gorey pushed up quickly to shut them down and when William managed to drive his opposite number out over the touch line the referee blew for full time. 7-7
Gorey advanced to the semi finals as with the game having to be decided on the day it came down to first try scored.
Thanks to Naas for a fantastic game, the referee & line judges and to all the parents that supplied refreshments after the game.
