Gorey RFC Women booked their place in the semi-final with a hard-fought 27–22 victory over Portlaoise Rugby Club in a thrilling and tightly contested encounter.
Portlaoise struck first, with Portlaoise crossing early to put Gorey on the back foot. However, Gorey responded with determination, building sustained pressure through a powerful collective effort from the forward pack. That persistence paid off when Siofra Higgins powered over the line to score Gorey’s opening try.
Momentum began to swing, and Gorey capitalised again when Robyn Cousins showed great awareness and skill, executing a clever dummy to break through the defence and touch down for their second try. Portlaoise, however, refused to back down and answered with a strong, aggressive attacking phase that resulted in another try, keeping the sides neck and neck.
Ailbhe Byrne restored Gorey’s advantage with a well-worked score, set up brilliantly by Abigail Grouse, whose perfectly weighted grubber kick created the opportunity. Yet again, Portlaoise responded, levelling the match and setting up a tense final quarter.
With just 15 minutes remaining and the game finely balanced, Ruby Grouse stepped up in spectacular fashion. Displaying sharp footwork and blistering pace, she broke through the defence to score a crucial try. Gorey’s first lead of the game!
As the clock ticked down, Robyn Cousins once again found space in the Portlaoise line, exploiting a gap to secure her second try of the match and extend Gorey’s advantage. A composed conversion from Alex Byrne added the finishing touch.
In a game defined by resilience, determination, and moments of individual brilliance, Gorey emerged victorious with a 27–22 win. They now advance to the semi-final, with more updates to follow
Portlaoise struck first, with Portlaoise crossing early to put Gorey on the back foot. However, Gorey responded with determination, building sustained pressure through a powerful collective effort from the forward pack. That persistence paid off when Siofra Higgins powered over the line to score Gorey’s opening try.
Momentum began to swing, and Gorey capitalised again when Robyn Cousins showed great awareness and skill, executing a clever dummy to break through the defence and touch down for their second try. Portlaoise, however, refused to back down and answered with a strong, aggressive attacking phase that resulted in another try, keeping the sides neck and neck.
Ailbhe Byrne restored Gorey’s advantage with a well-worked score, set up brilliantly by Abigail Grouse, whose perfectly weighted grubber kick created the opportunity. Yet again, Portlaoise responded, levelling the match and setting up a tense final quarter.
With just 15 minutes remaining and the game finely balanced, Ruby Grouse stepped up in spectacular fashion. Displaying sharp footwork and blistering pace, she broke through the defence to score a crucial try. Gorey’s first lead of the game!
As the clock ticked down, Robyn Cousins once again found space in the Portlaoise line, exploiting a gap to secure her second try of the match and extend Gorey’s advantage. A composed conversion from Alex Byrne added the finishing touch.
In a game defined by resilience, determination, and moments of individual brilliance, Gorey emerged victorious with a 27–22 win. They now advance to the semi-final, with more updates to follow
