Leinster Grading Games – Round 2
Sunday, 18 October 2026
Recorded Result: Boyne RFC 5 – Gorey RFC 45*
Gorey RFC’s Under-16 boys continued their impressive winning form on Sunday, making the long journey north to Boyne RFC for Round 2 of their Leinster grading campaign.
With ideal weather conditions and the match being played on Boyne’s superb new all-weather surface, the stage was set for an exciting afternoon of running rugby. And the travelling Gorey supporters were certainly not disappointed, as the visitors produced a sensational attacking display, combining powerful forward play, resolute defence and some outstanding individual performances.
Gorey Come Flying Out of the Blocks
Gorey kicked off, but it was the hosts who immediately went on the offensive, probing the Gorey defensive line in search of an early breakthrough.
However, some steadfast defending and aggressive counter-rucking from the visitors forced a turnover, allowing Gorey to quickly turn defence into attack. The ball was moved swiftly through the hands and out wide to winger Sam Gough, who raced over for the opening try after just six minutes.
Out-half Adam Deacon stepped up to slot the conversion, giving Gorey the perfect start.
The visitors wasted little time in adding to their tally. A barnstorming carry from powerful number eight David Jimenez punched a hole in the Boyne defence, with openside flanker Donnachadh Kearney running a superb support line.
Jimenez drew several defenders, absorbing some ferocious tackles before producing an excellent offload to release Kearney, who powered over for Gorey’s second try on the 11-minute mark. Deacon was again flawless from the tee, adding the extras.
Gorey’s attacking momentum showed no signs of slowing. On 17 minutes, centre Aidan Brennan burst through the midfield defence, demonstrating his strength and pace to cross for the visitors’ third try. Deacon duly converted to maintain his perfect kicking record.
Boyne continued to battle, enjoying periods of possession and territory. On one occasion, the hosts kicked a penalty deep into Gorey’s 22, but the visitors’ outstanding lineout unit rose to the challenge, stealing possession and relieving the pressure.
At the 20-minute mark, Gorey were awarded a penalty inside Boyne’s half. From the resulting attacking opportunity, the formidable Jimenez took matters into his own hands, powering through the opposition defence for a thoroughly deserved try of his own. Deacon once again added the conversion.
The contest up front was fierce, with both packs exchanging some thunderous hits and neither side willing to concede an inch. Nevertheless, Gorey’s forwards gradually established the upper hand, stringing together several powerful phases before releasing their dangerous backline.
The ball was worked wide once more to Sam Gough, who needed no second invitation to cross for his second try on 24 minutes. Deacon continued his impeccable afternoon with another successful conversion.
To their credit, Boyne refused to lie down. The home side rallied strongly towards the end of the opening half, forcing Gorey deep into their own territory.
Following successive penalties against the visitors for failing to retreat the required ten metres, Boyne capitalised on their field position and powered over for their opening try.
The conversion was unsuccessful, but the score was a deserved reward for the hosts’ determination and persistence as the opening half drew to a close.
Second-Half Fireworks
If the opening half had been impressive, Gorey’s second-half performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Receiving the restart, openside flanker Donnachadh Kearney gathered possession and produced a clever offload to loosehead prop Michael McGuinness.
What followed was arguably the moment of the match.
McGuinness embarked on an extraordinary solo run, covering almost two-thirds of the pitch with a remarkable combination of acceleration, power and pace. Brushing aside would-be tacklers and fending off defenders, the loosehead prop charged all the way to the try line for a sensational individual score.
It was a moment that brought the travelling supporters to their feet and demonstrated the remarkable athleticism throughout this Gorey squad. Deacon, unsurprisingly, added the conversion.
With Gorey firmly in control, the coaching team introduced a host of replacements, but the changes did little to interrupt the visitors’ rhythm.
Indeed, the finishers proved every bit as effective as the starting fifteen.
Replacement number eight Charlie Kennedy wasted little time making his presence felt, producing a powerful, surging run to cross for another Gorey try around the 35-minute mark. Deacon’s flawless kicking continued as he added another two points.
Despite the increasingly one-sided contest, the physical battle remained intense. Both forward packs continued to put their bodies on the line, with fierce exchanges around the breakdown and no shortage of commitment from either side.
It was from one such midfield battle that Aidan Brennan found his opportunity, breaking through to claim his second try of the afternoon around the 38-minute mark. Deacon again converted.
The relentless Gorey attack continued, with McGuinness adding a second try to cap an outstanding individual performance.
Meanwhile, the ever-dangerous Sam Gough was proving virtually unstoppable out wide. The winger crossed for a further two tries, bringing his remarkable personal tally to four tries on the day.
Deacon converted both of Gough’s additional scores, maintaining an extraordinary display of accuracy from the kicking tee.
Forward Dominance and Clinical Finishing
While Gorey’s backs produced some breathtaking attacking rugby, much of their success was built on the outstanding platform provided by the forwards.
The Gorey lineout functioned superbly throughout the afternoon, providing clean possession and repeatedly disrupting Boyne’s opportunities.
Perhaps even more impressive was the visitors’ rolling maul built around jumper Jimmy Collier, which proved a formidable weapon. Time and again, Gorey’s pack drove forward with excellent organisation and determination, leaving the Boyne defence struggling to contain their momentum.
One particularly impressive passage saw Gorey establish another powerful maul from a lineout, driving approximately twelve metres upfield.
With the Boyne defence bracing itself for another wide attacking movement, scrum-half Tyler Klopper spotted an opening on the blindside.
Showing excellent awareness and quick thinking, Klopper broke away from the maul, darted through the gap and touched down for a cleverly taken try.
It was a fitting reward for the excellent work of Gorey’s forward unit.
On this occasion, Deacon’s conversion drifted wide, his only unsuccessful attempt of an otherwise remarkable afternoon.
Boyne continued searching for ways to unlock the visitors’ resolute defence, eventually turning to a more expansive kicking game in an effort to exploit space behind the Gorey defensive line.
However, this approach produced one final moment of brilliance from the visitors.
Replacement winger Adam Laurie, covering the backfield, expertly gathered a kick sent deep into Gorey territory.
Spotting an opportunity, Laurie immediately accelerated into space and launched a devastating counterattack down the left wing.
Showing tremendous pace and determination, he left the chasing defenders in his wake, racing the length of the field before finishing beneath the posts with plenty left in the tank.
It was a spectacular way to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary afternoon of attacking rugby, leaving Adam Deacon with a straightforward conversion to complete the scoring.
Deacon Delivers a Kicking Masterclass
Among the many outstanding individual performances, out-half Adam Deacon deserves particular recognition for an exceptional afternoon with the boot, Deacon contributed 22 points to his side’s tally without once crossing the try line himself.
An Outstanding Team Performance
This was a hugely impressive performance from a Gorey U16 side that continues to grow in confidence and cohesion.
From the uncompromising physicality of the forward pack to the speed, creativity and clinical finishing of the backs, Gorey demonstrated the quality and depth throughout their squad.
The lineout and rolling maul were particularly effective, while the defensive commitment and aggressive counter-rucking repeatedly provided the platform for devastating counterattacks.
Individual performances were plentiful, with Sam Gough’s four-try haul, doubles from Aidan Brennan and Michael McGuinness, and the powerful contributions of David Jimenez and lineout prowess of Collier among the highlights.
However, perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the afternoon was the collective contribution of the entire squad.
The starting fifteen laid the foundations with a commanding first-half display, while the replacements entered the contest with equal hunger, intensity and determination.
Far from allowing standards to slip, the finishers more than filled the boots of those they replaced, maintaining the relentless pressure and attacking ambition that had characterised Gorey’s performance from the opening whistle.
It was a genuine squad effort, with every player contributing to a performance that showcased not only individual talent but also the teamwork, discipline and growing understanding within this exciting group.
Credit must also go to Boyne, who continued to compete physically and showed admirable determination despite facing a Gorey side in exceptional form.
For the travelling supporters, the long journey north was rewarded with a wonderful exhibition of running rugby and another memorable afternoon for this talented group of young players.
Next Up: Wexford RFC
Gorey U16s now turn their attention to next Saturday, 24 October, when they welcome Wexford RFC to Gorey for Round 3 of their Leinster grading campaign.
With confidence high, momentum firmly behind them and competition for places evident throughout the squad, the boys will be eager to continue their winning ways on home soil.
Recorded Result: Boyne RFC 5 – Gorey RFC 45*
Photo Credits: Sarah Klopper
Sunday, 18 October 2026
Recorded Result: Boyne RFC 5 – Gorey RFC 45*
Gorey RFC’s Under-16 boys continued their impressive winning form on Sunday, making the long journey north to Boyne RFC for Round 2 of their Leinster grading campaign.
With ideal weather conditions and the match being played on Boyne’s superb new all-weather surface, the stage was set for an exciting afternoon of running rugby. And the travelling Gorey supporters were certainly not disappointed, as the visitors produced a sensational attacking display, combining powerful forward play, resolute defence and some outstanding individual performances.
Gorey Come Flying Out of the Blocks
Gorey kicked off, but it was the hosts who immediately went on the offensive, probing the Gorey defensive line in search of an early breakthrough.
However, some steadfast defending and aggressive counter-rucking from the visitors forced a turnover, allowing Gorey to quickly turn defence into attack. The ball was moved swiftly through the hands and out wide to winger Sam Gough, who raced over for the opening try after just six minutes.
Out-half Adam Deacon stepped up to slot the conversion, giving Gorey the perfect start.
The visitors wasted little time in adding to their tally. A barnstorming carry from powerful number eight David Jimenez punched a hole in the Boyne defence, with openside flanker Donnachadh Kearney running a superb support line.
Jimenez drew several defenders, absorbing some ferocious tackles before producing an excellent offload to release Kearney, who powered over for Gorey’s second try on the 11-minute mark. Deacon was again flawless from the tee, adding the extras.
Gorey’s attacking momentum showed no signs of slowing. On 17 minutes, centre Aidan Brennan burst through the midfield defence, demonstrating his strength and pace to cross for the visitors’ third try. Deacon duly converted to maintain his perfect kicking record.
Boyne continued to battle, enjoying periods of possession and territory. On one occasion, the hosts kicked a penalty deep into Gorey’s 22, but the visitors’ outstanding lineout unit rose to the challenge, stealing possession and relieving the pressure.
At the 20-minute mark, Gorey were awarded a penalty inside Boyne’s half. From the resulting attacking opportunity, the formidable Jimenez took matters into his own hands, powering through the opposition defence for a thoroughly deserved try of his own. Deacon once again added the conversion.
The contest up front was fierce, with both packs exchanging some thunderous hits and neither side willing to concede an inch. Nevertheless, Gorey’s forwards gradually established the upper hand, stringing together several powerful phases before releasing their dangerous backline.
The ball was worked wide once more to Sam Gough, who needed no second invitation to cross for his second try on 24 minutes. Deacon continued his impeccable afternoon with another successful conversion.
To their credit, Boyne refused to lie down. The home side rallied strongly towards the end of the opening half, forcing Gorey deep into their own territory.
Following successive penalties against the visitors for failing to retreat the required ten metres, Boyne capitalised on their field position and powered over for their opening try.
The conversion was unsuccessful, but the score was a deserved reward for the hosts’ determination and persistence as the opening half drew to a close.
Second-Half Fireworks
If the opening half had been impressive, Gorey’s second-half performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Receiving the restart, openside flanker Donnachadh Kearney gathered possession and produced a clever offload to loosehead prop Michael McGuinness.
What followed was arguably the moment of the match.
McGuinness embarked on an extraordinary solo run, covering almost two-thirds of the pitch with a remarkable combination of acceleration, power and pace. Brushing aside would-be tacklers and fending off defenders, the loosehead prop charged all the way to the try line for a sensational individual score.
It was a moment that brought the travelling supporters to their feet and demonstrated the remarkable athleticism throughout this Gorey squad. Deacon, unsurprisingly, added the conversion.
With Gorey firmly in control, the coaching team introduced a host of replacements, but the changes did little to interrupt the visitors’ rhythm.
Indeed, the finishers proved every bit as effective as the starting fifteen.
Replacement number eight Charlie Kennedy wasted little time making his presence felt, producing a powerful, surging run to cross for another Gorey try around the 35-minute mark. Deacon’s flawless kicking continued as he added another two points.
Despite the increasingly one-sided contest, the physical battle remained intense. Both forward packs continued to put their bodies on the line, with fierce exchanges around the breakdown and no shortage of commitment from either side.
It was from one such midfield battle that Aidan Brennan found his opportunity, breaking through to claim his second try of the afternoon around the 38-minute mark. Deacon again converted.
The relentless Gorey attack continued, with McGuinness adding a second try to cap an outstanding individual performance.
Meanwhile, the ever-dangerous Sam Gough was proving virtually unstoppable out wide. The winger crossed for a further two tries, bringing his remarkable personal tally to four tries on the day.
Deacon converted both of Gough’s additional scores, maintaining an extraordinary display of accuracy from the kicking tee.
Forward Dominance and Clinical Finishing
While Gorey’s backs produced some breathtaking attacking rugby, much of their success was built on the outstanding platform provided by the forwards.
The Gorey lineout functioned superbly throughout the afternoon, providing clean possession and repeatedly disrupting Boyne’s opportunities.
Perhaps even more impressive was the visitors’ rolling maul built around jumper Jimmy Collier, which proved a formidable weapon. Time and again, Gorey’s pack drove forward with excellent organisation and determination, leaving the Boyne defence struggling to contain their momentum.
One particularly impressive passage saw Gorey establish another powerful maul from a lineout, driving approximately twelve metres upfield.
With the Boyne defence bracing itself for another wide attacking movement, scrum-half Tyler Klopper spotted an opening on the blindside.
Showing excellent awareness and quick thinking, Klopper broke away from the maul, darted through the gap and touched down for a cleverly taken try.
It was a fitting reward for the excellent work of Gorey’s forward unit.
On this occasion, Deacon’s conversion drifted wide, his only unsuccessful attempt of an otherwise remarkable afternoon.
Boyne continued searching for ways to unlock the visitors’ resolute defence, eventually turning to a more expansive kicking game in an effort to exploit space behind the Gorey defensive line.
However, this approach produced one final moment of brilliance from the visitors.
Replacement winger Adam Laurie, covering the backfield, expertly gathered a kick sent deep into Gorey territory.
Spotting an opportunity, Laurie immediately accelerated into space and launched a devastating counterattack down the left wing.
Showing tremendous pace and determination, he left the chasing defenders in his wake, racing the length of the field before finishing beneath the posts with plenty left in the tank.
It was a spectacular way to bring the curtain down on an extraordinary afternoon of attacking rugby, leaving Adam Deacon with a straightforward conversion to complete the scoring.
Deacon Delivers a Kicking Masterclass
Among the many outstanding individual performances, out-half Adam Deacon deserves particular recognition for an exceptional afternoon with the boot, Deacon contributed 22 points to his side’s tally without once crossing the try line himself.
An Outstanding Team Performance
This was a hugely impressive performance from a Gorey U16 side that continues to grow in confidence and cohesion.
From the uncompromising physicality of the forward pack to the speed, creativity and clinical finishing of the backs, Gorey demonstrated the quality and depth throughout their squad.
The lineout and rolling maul were particularly effective, while the defensive commitment and aggressive counter-rucking repeatedly provided the platform for devastating counterattacks.
Individual performances were plentiful, with Sam Gough’s four-try haul, doubles from Aidan Brennan and Michael McGuinness, and the powerful contributions of David Jimenez and lineout prowess of Collier among the highlights.
However, perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the afternoon was the collective contribution of the entire squad.
The starting fifteen laid the foundations with a commanding first-half display, while the replacements entered the contest with equal hunger, intensity and determination.
Far from allowing standards to slip, the finishers more than filled the boots of those they replaced, maintaining the relentless pressure and attacking ambition that had characterised Gorey’s performance from the opening whistle.
It was a genuine squad effort, with every player contributing to a performance that showcased not only individual talent but also the teamwork, discipline and growing understanding within this exciting group.
Credit must also go to Boyne, who continued to compete physically and showed admirable determination despite facing a Gorey side in exceptional form.
For the travelling supporters, the long journey north was rewarded with a wonderful exhibition of running rugby and another memorable afternoon for this talented group of young players.
Next Up: Wexford RFC
Gorey U16s now turn their attention to next Saturday, 24 October, when they welcome Wexford RFC to Gorey for Round 3 of their Leinster grading campaign.
With confidence high, momentum firmly behind them and competition for places evident throughout the squad, the boys will be eager to continue their winning ways on home soil.
Recorded Result: Boyne RFC 5 – Gorey RFC 45*
Photo Credits: Sarah Klopper
