Gorey J1s leave it late

On a beautiful day for rugby Gorey Seniors continued their good run, with a hard earned win over a very determined Newbridge side. For the second week in a row the home team had to work hard as Newbridge defied their league position to frustrate Gorey at every opportunity and deservedly held the lead well into the second half.

The game started with Newbridge playing with the sinking sun on their backs and put good pressure on the home defence with a number of Garryowens. This paid dividends, as the home team struggled to get into the game, and had to soak up a lot of pressure. On the 15 min mark Newbridge got their reward with a try which they failed to convert. Gorey responded and some good work from the pack saw them awarded a penalty which Brendon Spears kicked. Gorey started to put some phases together but could not breakdown a resolute Newbridge defence and, on occasions, taking the wrong option.

The second half saw Gorey come more into the game and, with an inspired Brendon Spears leading from the back, started to gain some territorial advantage. It all seemed very laboured as the visitors slowed the ball at every opportunity. Finally Gorey put a few phases together for prop Ciaran Allen to go over but Brendon Spears was unlucky with the conversion attempt. This seemed to settle Gorey and they were soon back on the attack when Brendon Spears made a great break up the field. The pack arrived and took the ball on to the ten metre line where Garrett Bater saw a gap, and ran in to score under the posts, to put day light between the teams.
From there Gorey started to grow in confidence and play more like league leaders. Some good forward play saw the ball move wide for Killian Breen to score in the corner, for Brendon Spears to convert, to take the score to 22 - 5. The game was now heading for the final whistle as Gorey went in search of the bonus point but it was Newbridge who had the final say as they managed to score a try of their own to leave the final score at 22 - 10. 

Gorey had some good performances in the pack from Ben Horan, Ciaran Allen & JP Redmond, and for the backs Killian Breen, Garry Rynhart and man of the match Brendon Spears showing well. Gorey know they will need to improve on this performance to keep their noses in front. They are well capable of doing just that and an away tussle in Tullow next Sunday should focus their minds in the coming week. 

Kick off next Sunday is 2.30 with the J2s kicking off at 1PM.