Gorey boys seal top spot
THE GOREY Under-14 boys travelled to Athy on Saturday for the second last of their phase two fixtures in the Leinster League.
They did so knowing that victory would secure top spot in their section with a game to spare. Athy had a good cup result last time out and needed to win to ensure a league semi-final slot.
The boys got stuck in from the off, Enda McCrea setting the tone with a crunching tackle. Shortly after Brian Cushe gathered the ball just on Athy’s ‘22 and weaved his way through their defence. The ball was recycled with George Hadden going over to score a try, and Lee Cushe adding the conversion.
Gorey’s forwards were in fine form with strong carries by Evan Byrne, George Hadden and Shay Guilfoyle and great rucking from Rory Tubritt, Ewan Stephens and Adam Cleary.
The backs played their part too with Cillian Byrne dealing well with Athy’s kicking game, Ross O’Loughlin and Michal Kruczek making some good breaks, and Brian Cushe was not only strong in attack but in defence too.
The pressure was to pay off, with Jack Higgins scoring a try and Lee Cushe kicking the extra two points, so Gorey were 14-0 up and playing well.
It was looking good but, just before half-time, a drop in workrate and a couple of Gorey errors allowed Athy to score a soft try, leaving the interval score at 14-7.
The second-half saw an improvement for the Gorey lads as they lifted their effort and brought the game to Athy. Great carries by Jack Curley and continued hard work from Shay kept Gorey in Athy’s half.
Any Athy attacks were well dealt with as Gorey defended with good discipline.
A penalty kicked by Lee brought the score to 17-7, and eased the tension, with George Hadden adding the final try as the game closed out.
It was a good, hard game for the lads with many of them playing very well. Shay Guilfoyle was man of the match but several more should be very satisfied with how they performed.