Thursday 15th April 2012

Gorey v Downington, PA, Under 18 Ladies Rugby

The Gorey ladies hosted a visiting team from Pennsylvania in a very entertaining encounter in the Clonattin grounds last Thursday evening. Conditions were perfect, if a little cold, for both sides, to release their backlines when the opportunities might arise. Both sets of forwards dominated the early encounters, with Gorey's number 3 Aoife Farrell and the rapidly improving number 1 Caoimhe Molloy carrying and retaining the ball well for the hosts. Sara Killick showed trademark quick feet to cross the whitewash early for Gorey and settle their nerves. Outhalf Maeve Farrell was unsuccessful with the conversion attempt. Flanker Aine Ni Scannail had a fine game for Gorey, and scored near the corner flag following a well executed rolling maul led by rock steady Aoife Farrell.

Gorey were not to have it all their own way however, and in the dying minutes of the first half, were victims of a speculative Garryowen by Downington's full back, who gathered her own kick in Gorey's 22m area, touching down under the posts for an easy conversion. 10-7, game on.

The visitors had the bit between their teeth and immediately into the second half got good forward momentum with their highly organised and motivated front five, drawing great tackles from the Gorey pack, with Fiona Murphy, amongst numerous others, showing no fear of the contact. Downington showed outstanding rucking and counter rucking skills, and on many occasions Gorey made great yards, especially from number 8 Aoife Browne and number 6 Caitlin Crowe off the scrum, only to have the visitors snaffle the ball at the breakdown. Time and again Gorey's Maeve Farrell, Lauren Farrell Mc Cabe, Chloe Breen and Brid Kavanagh made strong breaks upfield, and would suddenly be called on to tackle resolutely in defence. Following an infringement early into the final quarter, Downington slotted a penalty to bring the scores even. Sarah Killick was unlucky to be stopped within yards of the tryline following a brilliant intercept, but it was a game neither side deserved to lose, and it finished 10-10, to well deserved applause from both sets of supporters.

Gorey Team :
1. Caoimhe Molloy,
2. Laura Levingston,
3. Aoife Farrell,
4. Alix Doyle,
5. Fiona Murphy,
6. Caitlin Crowe,
7. Aine Ni Scanail,
8. Aoife Browne
9. Lauren Farrell- Mc Cabe,
10. Maeve Farrell,
11. Maeve Bolger,
12. Chloe Breen,
13. Brid Kavanagh,
14. Emer Breen,
15. Helena Hobbs.
Sub: Sara Killick.