’Scorthy have edge in derby
Gallant show from Gorey
GOREY ENNISCORTHY 13 15 THIS LEINSTER League Division 1A match between neighbours Gorey and Enniscorthy on Saturday was always going to be close, and so it proved with the visitors prevailing by two points at the end of an enthralling contest played in Gorey.
Both defences were excellent which meant that scores were always going to be at a premium, and this was proven right at the final whistle.
Gorey started much the better and full-back David Shannon had two penalty attempts before he slotted the opening score. Ivan Poole also missed a kick from the touchline, but as the half wore on Enniscorthy gradually started to get more possession and some telling kicks from Poole put them inside the Gorey ’22.
It took a while for the breakthrough to come as both defences had dominated the opening 30 minutes, and then Gorey went over the top of a ruck inside their own ’22 and the resulting penalty was quickly taken by Ivan Poole.
He surprised the static Gorey defence and went through a gap, and had Ivan Jacob in support to cross in the corner. Poole missed the conversion from the touchline but it was 5-3 to Enniscorthy who continued to move the ball now with precision.
They almost scored another try but this time Ivan Jacob knocked the ball on with the line at his mercy.
From the resulting Gorey scrum, Enniscorthy drove them off it and number 8 Nick Doyle picked from the back to score. For good measure, Poole added the conversion for a 12-3 lead five minutes from half-time.
Poole and Shannon both converted penalties to leave the interval score 15-6 in favour of Enniscorthy.
Gorey knew they had to come out with all guns blazing on the re-start, and from a sloppy Enniscorthy turnover they took full advantage.
The Gorey forwards had Enniscorthy on the back foot and the superb J.P. Redmond orchestrated a maul which resulted in prop forward Richard Deering scoring a try from close in. David Shannon kicked a superb conversion to close the game to two points.
Remarkably, neither team scored for the remainder of the game as the match was played largely between both ’22s.
Ivan Poole did have a longrange penalty attempt at the posts but it went narrowly wide, and then almost on the stroke of full-time David Shannon nearly got it in for a try in the left corner but he dropped the ball.
The game was held up for a long time in the 55th minute when the Enniscorthy full-back, Ross Barbour, was stretchered off after a collision with Ben Horan. He was okay after the game and was diagnosed with mild concussion.
Enniscorthy just about did enough to hold on for the win to remain undefeated in the league after five games.
Gorey were well served by the inspirational J.P. Redmond, Richard Deering, Ben Horan and Darragh O’Leary in the forwards. Phil De Barra had a fine game at out-half, and Stephen Horan and James Nolan were solid in the centre, while David Shannon caught the eye at full-back.
Enniscorthy’s young guns of Tony White, Joe Carley and Nick Doyle were superb, and there was also a sterling performance from Angelo Todisco. Ivan Poole as ever controlled the backs, and Killian Lett had an excellent second-half with the captain, Daniel Pim.
‘We could have won but to be fair Enniscorthy had a little more experience than us,’ Gorey coach Phil Horan said. ‘But I am happy when you consider that we are missing seven from last year’s team.
‘Credit to the lads, they are learning fast, and we could have won today but we didn’t take advantage of all of our chances. I am confident that we will get back to winning ways very quickly, and some of our young lads were excellent.’
Enniscorthy’s joint coach Joe Bulmer was very pleased with the win. ‘I am delighted for the young lads that have come in and they to be fair have added a new dimension to the team.
Obviously we still depend a lot on the mature guys as I call them like Ivan (Poole), Killian (Lett), and Ross (Barbour).
Both teams are in action in the Irish Junior Cup first round next weekend, with both at home. Galbally from Limerick travel to Gorey, and Enniscorthy welcome N.U.I. Galway, with both matches kicking off at 2.30 p.m. Saturday.
Gorey: Richard Deering, Barry O’Connor, Darragh Bellanova, Darragh O’Leary, Alex Bond, Stephen Triggs, Ben Horan, J.P. Redmond (capt.) Gareth Bater, Phil De Barra, Andrew Walsh, James Nolan, Stephen Horan, Seán Byrne, David Shannon. Subs. (all used) - Dylan Gregan, Phil Horan, Eddie Horan.
Enniscorthy: Angelo Todisco, Davy Murphy, Tony White, Tomás Stamp, Joe Carley, Joe Bulmer, Tom Ryan, Nick Doyle, David Shore, Ivan Poole, Ivan Jacob, Killian Lett, Daniel Pim (capt.),Hughie O’Neill, Ross Barbour. Subs. (all used) - Greg Jacob, David Farrar, David O’Dwyer, James Doyle, Jack Kelly.