Gorey RFC Under 14's take Leinster League victory over Nass

19th Nov 2012 

Gorey RFC Under 14's welcomed Nass to Clonattin on Saturday morning last for their latest Leinster League table top encounter. This was a huge game for both teams and from the off the Gorey forwards showed they were fired up for this one with some fierce early phase play taking them deep into the Nass 22.

An early pick and go from the stand out Gorey number 8 and captain on the day, Shane Stokes opened up the Nass defence. Handing off the opposition number 7, Stokes carried powerfully over the Nass 10 metre line and offloaded superbly to support runner Owen Molloy who kept the forward momentum with close support from a rampant Gorey pack. Stokes continued his explosive run taking the return offload from Molloy before crashing over for a superb opening try under the Nass posts.

From the restart Nass responded strongly, and rucked well to win a scrum on half way. The Nass forwards impressed, pounding out excellent attacking phases which put the entire Gorey defensive line under five minutes of intense pressure inside their 22. The Nass number 8 in particular bringing the best out of Gorey loose head Tom Cleary who tackled hard in the loose with close support from Dylan Slator, Lloyd Stephens and Liam Molloy.

The Gorey backline defence was impressive during this particular phase holding firm and reducing the Nass options out wide. Mickey Duke playing 10 on this occasion was in excellent form and led by example with his hard tackling and clear communication across the defensive line. Gorey's well drilled pack again upped the momentum rucking over Nass at the breakdown to finally clear their lines impressively. The remainder of the first period saw both packs give it everything, pounding out phase after phase of excellent forward play. The large crowd in attendance were generous with their applause for this particular passage of open play.

Gorey went in at half time with a 5 - 0 lead and the game wide open but you could sense that Gorey had more in the tank facing into the second period. A tactical switch at half time saw Fionn O'Loughlin come in at 10 and Mickey Duke move out to 12 replacing the excellent Joseph Naughton who showed very well at inside centre throughout the first period.

From the restart Gorey pressed Nass on the half way line, securing forward posession with Lloyd Stephens, P.J. Barnes and Andy Kinsella first to the breakdown. Scrum half Charlie McGuckin flashed fast ball back to Fionn O'Laughlin who kicked superbly in behind the Nass full back.

Sean Barden at 13 and debut winger Rory Heffernan showed electric pace to gather posession with Barden taking his opportunity superbly, touching down for Gorey's second try of the game. Gorey were now playing closer to their true potential and were fired up at the Nass restart
gathering well to allow O'Loughlin flash fast ball out wide to his backline attacking down the left flank. Nass responded well putting winger Heffernan into touch on their 22. Gorey won the resulting lineout and drove two excellent phases before Lloyd Stephens picked and crashed through the Nass defence for Gorey's third try.

Full back Killian Pierce stepped up to convert the points from wide on the left touchline. 17-0 to Gorey going into the last quarter. Nass responded immediately with their number 8 running an excellent line to break the Gorey cover and score a superb individual try.

The Nass score saw Gorey respond with phases of excellent controlled and penetrating rugby, stretching Nass across both wings before setting up a Gorey ruck out wide on the Nass 10 metre line. Up popped Lloyd Stephens to crash over for his second try of the afternoon. Full back Killian Pierce capped an excellent individual performance by added the points. With plenty of rugby still to play, replacements Eoin Buckley, Karl Clarke, Tom Higgins, Aaron Donnelly, Jack Cullen and Sean Dunne slotted well into their respective positions and gave 100% commitment maintaining the Gorey play into the latter exchanges.

With the game all but over and last play called, up popped the Nass number 8 yet again to add a consolation try but not until he had received some close attention from excellent Gorey second row P.J. Barnes.

Well done to the entire Gorey squad for their excellent performance, in particular a 10 minute period at the start of the second half where we saw expansive rugby of the very highest standard.

Final score Gorey RFC 29 - Nass RFC 12

Many thanks to Nass RFC and officials and to all supporters in attendance who added greatly to the super
atmosphere in which the game was played. A special thanks to the Gorey clubhouse team for the superb refreshments served after the match.

Squad: Squad; Andy Kinsella, P.J. Barnes, Eoin Molloy, Dylan Slator, Liam Molloy, Lloyd Stephens, Cameron Reynolds, Tom Cleary, Carl Clarke, Tom Higgins, Shane Stokes, Killian Pierce, Joseph Naughton, Jack Minogue, Sean Bardon, Michael Duke, Eoin Buckley, Jack Cullen, Sean Dunne, Aaron Donnelly, Charlie McGuckin, Conor O'Toole, Jack O' Mahony, Cathal O'Reilly, Rory Heffernan, Daragh Brooks.