Enniscorthy 24 - Gorey 47
On a glorious Sunday 20th, under clear blue skies and on a firm, dry pitch perfect for open rugby, Gorey’s U16 boys travelled to face local rivals Enniscorthy in Round 2 of the Southeast League. The stage was set for a classic derby battle – and the visitors delivered a thrilling, high-scoring masterclass.
From the opening whistle, Gorey seized control. Receiving the kick-off, the pack laid a solid platform and quickly released the backs. After just six minutes, winger Sam Gough blazed over for the opening try, with fly-half Iñigo calmly adding the extras. (0-7)
Not to be outdone, opposite winger Zach Curren carved his own path through a scrambling defence four minutes later, crossing for the second score. Iñigo’s conversion was again spot on. (0-14)
The visitors kept the pressure high. Strong carrying from the forwards, sharp distribution and slick handling created space for centre Kobi Hudson, who raced 35 metres to finish a well-worked backs move. Iñigo remained faultless from the tee. (0-21)
Enniscorthy finally responded after 16 minutes, stringing together a clever passage of play to cross for a converted try and give the home crowd something to cheer. (7-21)
Gorey refused to sit back. A crunching tackle from centre Aidan Brennan forced a handling error, and scrum-half Tyler Klopper pounced, diving over to extend the lead. Iñigo added the extras once more. (7-28)
The hosts hit back with determination. Quick thinking from a penalty and a subsequent offside infringement allowed Enniscorthy to advance and eventually power over for their second try. (12-28)
Undeterred, Gorey threw everything at the home side before the break. Quick thinking and exquisitely timed passing sent Sam Gough clear down the touchline for his second try of the afternoon. Iñigo converted to give the visitors a commanding half-time lead. (12-35 HT)
The second half brought wholesale changes, and the replacements made an immediate impact. Gorey won the restart and found themselves deep in opposition territory. Replacement scrum-half Ben Morris reacted sharply, firing the ball wide to an advancing Sam Gough, who completed his hat-trick before making way for Shay Cassidy. (12-40)
Enniscorthy showed tremendous heart and refused to lie down. Capitalising on a spell of Gorey complacency, the hosts struck twice in a ten-minute period to close the gap. (24-40)
But the Gorey boys dug deep once more. Their efforts were rewarded when replacement second-row Anthony Golasko crashed over for the final try of the match. Ben Morris slotted the conversion to seal a comprehensive full-squad victory. (24-47 FT)
A fantastic all-round performance and a convincing derby-day success for the Gorey U16s!
Next up: The boys travel to face Wicklow RFC in Round 3 of the Southeast League this Saturday (26th) at 11am – a game that could secure a semi-final spot.
Photo credits to Sarah Klopper and Ciarán Kennedy.
On a glorious Sunday 20th, under clear blue skies and on a firm, dry pitch perfect for open rugby, Gorey’s U16 boys travelled to face local rivals Enniscorthy in Round 2 of the Southeast League. The stage was set for a classic derby battle – and the visitors delivered a thrilling, high-scoring masterclass.
From the opening whistle, Gorey seized control. Receiving the kick-off, the pack laid a solid platform and quickly released the backs. After just six minutes, winger Sam Gough blazed over for the opening try, with fly-half Iñigo calmly adding the extras. (0-7)
Not to be outdone, opposite winger Zach Curren carved his own path through a scrambling defence four minutes later, crossing for the second score. Iñigo’s conversion was again spot on. (0-14)
The visitors kept the pressure high. Strong carrying from the forwards, sharp distribution and slick handling created space for centre Kobi Hudson, who raced 35 metres to finish a well-worked backs move. Iñigo remained faultless from the tee. (0-21)
Enniscorthy finally responded after 16 minutes, stringing together a clever passage of play to cross for a converted try and give the home crowd something to cheer. (7-21)
Gorey refused to sit back. A crunching tackle from centre Aidan Brennan forced a handling error, and scrum-half Tyler Klopper pounced, diving over to extend the lead. Iñigo added the extras once more. (7-28)
The hosts hit back with determination. Quick thinking from a penalty and a subsequent offside infringement allowed Enniscorthy to advance and eventually power over for their second try. (12-28)
Undeterred, Gorey threw everything at the home side before the break. Quick thinking and exquisitely timed passing sent Sam Gough clear down the touchline for his second try of the afternoon. Iñigo converted to give the visitors a commanding half-time lead. (12-35 HT)
The second half brought wholesale changes, and the replacements made an immediate impact. Gorey won the restart and found themselves deep in opposition territory. Replacement scrum-half Ben Morris reacted sharply, firing the ball wide to an advancing Sam Gough, who completed his hat-trick before making way for Shay Cassidy. (12-40)
Enniscorthy showed tremendous heart and refused to lie down. Capitalising on a spell of Gorey complacency, the hosts struck twice in a ten-minute period to close the gap. (24-40)
But the Gorey boys dug deep once more. Their efforts were rewarded when replacement second-row Anthony Golasko crashed over for the final try of the match. Ben Morris slotted the conversion to seal a comprehensive full-squad victory. (24-47 FT)
A fantastic all-round performance and a convincing derby-day success for the Gorey U16s!
Next up: The boys travel to face Wicklow RFC in Round 3 of the Southeast League this Saturday (26th) at 11am – a game that could secure a semi-final spot.
Photo credits to Sarah Klopper and Ciarán Kennedy.
