GARDINER LEADS FROM THE FRONT
06/01/2019
GARDINER LEADS FROM THE FRONT
An excellent display from Captain Stephen Gardiner saw Gorey just about deserve
the points in an entertaining game at Clonattin on Saturday last.
Gorey got off to a good start but could not find a rhythm to capitalise on their
territorial advantage as the Bective defence stood up well.
It took a tremendous linebreak by Captain Stephen Gardiner that finally cracked the
visitors defence and having done all the hard work he offloaded to Ethan Badham to
go in under the posts. James Nolan added the conversion.
Gorey should have kicked-on but Bective started to find some momentum and belief.
It did not take them long to take advantage and they drew level with a try and
conversion which left the sides level at the break.
After the break Bective quickly added a penalty to take the lead.
Bective shocked the home support when they went over for a try to extend their lead
to 15 - 7.
Staring defeat and with still 25 minutes left on the clock Gorey started to put some
phases together. A continuous barrage into the Bective 22 with some good carries
by the pack finally showing results. A James Nolan penalty reduced the lead to one
score.
From the restart Gorey were again back on the attack. They looked to be going over
in the corner but a deliberate knock on saw Bective reduced to 14.
They did not have to wait long with the resulting lineout and a number of phases later
winger Andrew Walsh finally crossed after the visitors defence ran out of numbers.
Bective did not lie down and when Gorey had a penalty decision reversed they
kicked deep into the Gorey half. From the next phases of play a crucial try-saving
tackle by Eddie Horan in the corner saw Gorey win the subsequent lineout. Gorey
worked their way out and quick hands through the backs saw Andrew Walsh race
from deep inside his 22 to outstrip the Bective defence to put Gorey 20 - 15 with 10
minutes left on the clock.
It was still not over as Bective tried to get back but Gorey hung on for a crucial win to
stay in second place.
Gorey has some good performances with Michael Duke, James Nolan and Andrew
Walsh the pick of the backs. The forwards were not found wanting either with Kevin
Brown, Stanley Hadden and man of the match Steven Gardiner showing well.
Gorey are away to Kilkenny next week with the first round of the Towns Cup Sunday
20th with Portlaoise providing the opposition in Clonattin.
GOREY
D Bellanova E Badham K Browne S Gardiner Capt E Horan K Breen B Mason S
Hadden S Horan S Duke R Harrington J Nolan J Rothwell A Walsh M Duke T
Jameson E Walsh J Naughton L Stephens D Gregan