Gorey RFC Official Website

U15 Gorey V Naas

For the second time in a week on home soil, the Gorey U15 Rugby team chalked up another fantastic victory. This time, Saturday last 15 December, a spirited but outclassed Naas RFC side from Co Kildare, fell at the hands of manager Brian Willoughby's men to the absolute delight of the home side. Unfortunately, very early on Naas suffered a major set back when their on-field leader was carried off after colliding with Gorey's forwards. This opportunity was seized upon and Gorey's opening score came from their captain, Mark Hoare after a relentless series of decisive attacks. David Bailie was unlucky to be held up in the in goal area but on the second attempt, the power of Dale Rothwell saw him crash over the line for the second try. Naas camped on the Gorey line for long periods and applied sustained pressure but had nothing to show for all their efforts. In the dying minutes of the first half Mark Hoare struck again. Moments later, a blistering turn of speed from winger Lucas Stafford put the Naas full back under severe pressure and the resulting spill allowed Stafford to slide in over the line to claim his prize. Cian Hadden, Gorey's precision place kicker was on fire all afternoon, slotting over four times. Recce Hughes, No 6, played an outstanding tackling game as did Oscar Falconer, No 12 and very little got past them. Steadfast in defence, Jack Willoughby, the full back, plucked plenty of high ball from the air and with an impressive turn of speed, gained valuable ground. With fifteen minutes to go James Tomkins and Colin Hadden, the team coaches, hatched a plan and emptied the bench. This tactical application of fresh legs gave Gorey the added energy needed to fend off the numerous Naas counter strikes. With a combination of the speed of Ciaran Murphy, the agility of impact sub Conor Mangan and the quickness of Luke Willoughby, Naas were finally put to the sword by Captain Mark Hoare with his second hat trick in as many games. The contest ended with an emphatic victory of 33 points to nil in favour of the home side.

As always, the squad would like to thank their management and coaching staff of Brian Willoughby, James Tomkins, Colin Hadden, Jim Hoare and especially their sponsors, Stafford's Bakery of Clonattin, Gorey.

The squad consisted of;

1. Barry Doyle

2. Michael Wafer

3. Jack Cushe

4. David Bailey

5. Dale Rothwell (Try)

6. Reece Hughes

7. Chris Bolger

8. Mark Hoare, Capt (3 tries)

9. Seamus Tompkins

10. Cian Hadden (4 Conversions)

11. Daniel Sawyer