Gorey boys in superb form
U-14 title won on home soil
GOREY TULLAMORE 21 8 THE GOREY Under-14s hosted Tullamore on Saturday in Clonattin for an eagerly-anticipated Premier League final. Both sides have been in fine form all season and this was their first meeting since the Under-13 Cup final in Donnybrook last season.
It was a glorious day in Clonattin with blue skies, very little wind and the pitch in fine condition ,so the scene was well set for a great game. And these sides delivered in some style.
The game started at a fast pace with some ferocious tackling from both sides.
Gorey had a nervous start, and made several errors, but had a let-off when a Tullamore penalty went to the left and wide.
But from the midway point in the first-half Gorey started to take control. A few good scoring chances were spurned, when the ball wasn’t let out to the back line, but just on the stroke of half-time Cillian Byrne broke the deadlock to score.
Lee Cushe kicked a super conversion, bringing the half-time score to 7-0.
The second-half had the expected Tullamore fightback. A Gorey error was capitalised on from which they scored a try, but the conversion was missed.
Gorey kicked on determined to extend their lead. Some great carries by Michal Kruczek, Shay Guilfoyle, Evan Byrne, Jack Curley and George Hadden seriously tested a dogged Tullamore defence.
Then a moment of brilliance from Brian Cushe saw him collect the ball well outside the ‘22 and, with his typical speed and determination, he dodged his way past several would-be tacklers to score a great try, with Lee adding the extras for 14-5.
Tullamore added a penalty to get back within striking range at 14-8. Great Gorey defence prevented them adding further despite going a man down.
Jack Higgins then sealed it when his quick thinking and a clever break got him over the line, with Lee’s kick bringing the final score to 21-8.
Tullamore still kept hammering but when John Milne’s tackle led to a knock on the final whistle blew and the Gorey celebrations began.
It was a superb game of Youths rugby from two excellent teams. Gorey had strong performers across the entire squad, with Jack Curley being our man of the match.
Team: J. Curley, D. Fitzpatrick, E. Byrne, R. Tubritt, S. Guilfoyle, A. Cleary, G. Hadden, E. Stephens, J. Higgins, L. Cushe, T. Baxter, M. Kruczek, R. O’Loughlin, B. Cushe, C. Byrne, A. McNeill, S. Sawyer, E. McCrea, R. Arnold, J. Milne, C. Byrne, R. Cleary, S. O’Hagan, S. Campbell-Carty, P. Kinsella.