The u16 boys got their Southeast League campaign off to a flying start with a very convincing win against perennial challengers Wicklow at home in Clonattin last Saturday 5th of September.
The conditions on the day were ideal and the U16 boys were more than eager to showcase their skills on the immaculate 1st pitch (thanks Liam!) with plenty of home and away support in attendance.
The game opened at a pace and with a physicality that impressed, and set the tone for the fixture.
Wicklow showed their quality early when they opened the scoring after only three minutes. (0-7)
Neither side were for yielding ground but after some brutally physical contests and great team play, newcomer and debutant No.8 David Jimenez’s carry and offload allowed flanker Donnachadh Kearney rip through for Gorey’s opening score of the season with fullback Adam Deacon slotting the conversion to bring the teams back level. (7-7)
Centre Hugo O’Broin crashed over for Gorey’s second try at the 18 minute mark with Adam adding the extras to put Gorey in the lead. (14-7)
Some fantastic rugby followed with both sides continuing to probe. Excellent running lines and even better handling saw the ball worked wide to winger Sam Gough who wasn’t going to be touched before he crossed the line with Adam again obliging with the extra points.(21-7)
Wicklow showed their trademark determination and skill with a well worked backs move that saw their centre crash over for the final score of the first half. (21-14 HT)
It was all to play for as the second half got underway and the physical contest at the breakdown said it all. No ball went uncontested with crafty ruck-time steals from McGuiness, Collier and Kearney.
Wicklow capitalised on a penalty awarded 25m out from the Gorey posts and kept the pressure on the home side by slotting it over the bar. (21-17)
Gorey answered back quickly with a try for the ages after tighthead Morgan Corbett displayed his Messi-like footballing skills up the left wing with flanker Jimmy Collier adding his own silky touch and crossing the chalk. flyhalf Tyler Klopper added the conversion. (28-17)
Five minutes later another debutant duo took centre stage with newcomer Kobi Hudson diving over for his first try for Gorey which was expertly converted by visiting Spaniard Iñigo Cruz. (35-17)
With the Gorey pack not wanting to be outdone by their backline teammates, loosehead Michael McGuiness took the bit between his teeth and thundered over for a score of his own, converted again by Iñigo. (42-17)
Wicklow showed great character and a never-say-die attitude by exploiting a rare moment of Gorey defensive complacency, adding another 7 to their tally. (42-24)
The Gorey boys regrouped quickly and went on the offensive once more. A lovely display of communication and slick handling saw the ball make its way to Charlie Kennedy who would not be stopped as he crossed the line for the final score of the game. (47-24)
All in all a great full-squad performance with starters, finishers and debutants alike doing their bit to secure a dominant, bonus-point victory for the team!
The boys will face local rivals Enniscorthy in round 2 of the Southeast League on Saturday 19th of September away in Enniscorthy.
Photo Credit - Sarah Klopper
The conditions on the day were ideal and the U16 boys were more than eager to showcase their skills on the immaculate 1st pitch (thanks Liam!) with plenty of home and away support in attendance.
The game opened at a pace and with a physicality that impressed, and set the tone for the fixture.
Wicklow showed their quality early when they opened the scoring after only three minutes. (0-7)
Neither side were for yielding ground but after some brutally physical contests and great team play, newcomer and debutant No.8 David Jimenez’s carry and offload allowed flanker Donnachadh Kearney rip through for Gorey’s opening score of the season with fullback Adam Deacon slotting the conversion to bring the teams back level. (7-7)
Centre Hugo O’Broin crashed over for Gorey’s second try at the 18 minute mark with Adam adding the extras to put Gorey in the lead. (14-7)
Some fantastic rugby followed with both sides continuing to probe. Excellent running lines and even better handling saw the ball worked wide to winger Sam Gough who wasn’t going to be touched before he crossed the line with Adam again obliging with the extra points.(21-7)
Wicklow showed their trademark determination and skill with a well worked backs move that saw their centre crash over for the final score of the first half. (21-14 HT)
It was all to play for as the second half got underway and the physical contest at the breakdown said it all. No ball went uncontested with crafty ruck-time steals from McGuiness, Collier and Kearney.
Wicklow capitalised on a penalty awarded 25m out from the Gorey posts and kept the pressure on the home side by slotting it over the bar. (21-17)
Gorey answered back quickly with a try for the ages after tighthead Morgan Corbett displayed his Messi-like footballing skills up the left wing with flanker Jimmy Collier adding his own silky touch and crossing the chalk. flyhalf Tyler Klopper added the conversion. (28-17)
Five minutes later another debutant duo took centre stage with newcomer Kobi Hudson diving over for his first try for Gorey which was expertly converted by visiting Spaniard Iñigo Cruz. (35-17)
With the Gorey pack not wanting to be outdone by their backline teammates, loosehead Michael McGuiness took the bit between his teeth and thundered over for a score of his own, converted again by Iñigo. (42-17)
Wicklow showed great character and a never-say-die attitude by exploiting a rare moment of Gorey defensive complacency, adding another 7 to their tally. (42-24)
The Gorey boys regrouped quickly and went on the offensive once more. A lovely display of communication and slick handling saw the ball make its way to Charlie Kennedy who would not be stopped as he crossed the line for the final score of the game. (47-24)
All in all a great full-squad performance with starters, finishers and debutants alike doing their bit to secure a dominant, bonus-point victory for the team!
The boys will face local rivals Enniscorthy in round 2 of the Southeast League on Saturday 19th of September away in Enniscorthy.
Photo Credit - Sarah Klopper
