Women need to regroup

GOREY RFC WICKLOW RFC 22 10

AFTER last week’s loss to Suttonians, Wicklow travelled to Gorey for a must-win match.

The victors would go into the league play-offs. On a perfect day for rugby, Wicklow received the kick, Gorey set out on their stall. They were determined after their last-minute loss to Wicklow only a few weeks ago.

The first penalty went to Wicklow for not releasing. Rachel Griffey and Kayleigh Sullivan had put in some good tackles. Gorey counter attacked with strong running, putting Wicklow under sustained pressure. A well-struck penalty put Gorey up by three after ten minutes.

The Wicklow scrum was dominant, and Hannah-Rose Buckley executed a great kick-and-chase. Unfortunately, the Wicklow backline were not as strong as their pack. The ball was turned over too easily and Gorey capitalised with a brilliant try from their number 10.

Within 10 minutes, Gorey scored again, this time a fine try from their 13. Wicklow’s defence let them down. The try was unconverted, but soon after Gorey won a penalty. Following which Wicklow went on the offensive. A sense of urgency entered Wicklow’s game and the pack managed to secure a striking position for the backs to capitalise. A well-worked move off the scrum five metres out saw Alan Sheridan touch down in the corner for an unconverted try. The score stood at 16-5 going into the second half.

The second half began brightly for Wicklow who were playing with more confidence. The pack were making the hard yards, but Gorey were resolute in defence. The hits on both sides were huge. Gorey lost a player to the sin bin.

Hannah-Rose Buckley took advantage of the gaps formed and made a brilliant dash for the try-line. She was caught ten metres out but managed to get the offload away to Amy O’Neill who popped to Rachel Griffey for a deserved try. 16-10 game on.

Megan McConnell suffered a nasty injury minutes later and unfortunately had to be taken off, both sides were feeling the impact of the game. Gorey upped the pressure once more with direct running. Wicklow received their own yellow card and were down to 14. Although immense in attack, Gorey could not cross the line. However, they took advantage of their penalties and scored six points to put distance between themselves and the visitors. The match ended 22-10 in the hosts’ favour.

In hindsight, it was Wicklow’s defensive lapses in the opening half hour that won the match for Gorey. Wicklow could not make the most of their opportunities, such as the tap penalties, and ultimately it cost them the match.

Now Wicklow have a few weeks to regroup and train hard for the opening match of the cup. They will face Old Belvedere’s seconds team in the first round. There is plenty of time for Wicklow to pick themselves back up after this hard defeat and regain their mojo in time for the cup.