Rothwell’s return key in Gorey’s U-18 victory
EY 45, KILKENNY 17: The Gorey Under-18s nued their unbeaten run in the Leinster League a good win over Kilkenny in Clonattin on Saty. oth teams were depleted from recent injuries the game went to uncontested scrums from ff. Gorey made the stronger start and put the rs under pressure, defending in their own ‘22. ey were duly rewarded when hooker Cormac h got over the whitewash after a pick and go six minutes. Oisín Fortune added the conversion ave the score 7-0. om this juncture Gorey seemed to lose their l disciplined shape, and sloppy play allowed nny back into the game. orey had to defend well and big tackles from Joe r, Oran Fitzpatrick and Gonzalo Sanchez saved on a number of occasions. Kilkenny fought hard st couldn’t seems to break through the defence. espite their poor shape, Gorey were putting g hits, in particular from the recently returned Rothwell, and there were some good runs by hez and Brian O’Leary. Cormac Walsh once n took advantage to score his and Gorey’s nd try (12-0). kenny continued to stretch Gorey and, after ained pressure on the line, they finally got over well-deserved try on the half-hour mark. The subsequent conversion narrowed Gorey’s lead to 12-7.
It looked like the visitors might close the gap even more but for two incredible solo runs in the last few minutes of the half, first by Gorey scrum-half Cillian Tomkins, followed immediately afterwards by Seán Wafer to leave the half-time score 26-7.
The second-half started with a much better organised Gorey team, and they spread the ball and ran some excellent lines, more in keeping with what we’ve come to expect from this talented side.
Full-back Oisín Fortune made a great run before passing out to the supporting Seán Wafer who beat several Kilkenny tacklers and passed out to captain Tadhg O’Neill. He dodged and weaved before diving over to extend the lead after five minutes of the second-half (31-7).
Gorey seemed to have found their mojo now and their more disciplined approach was exposing gaps in the Kilkenny defence. Seán Wafer kicked a perfectly judged long ball over the defensive line that resulted in a five-metre line-out.
After a couple of phases, Cormac Walsh appeared to have gotten over for his hat-trick try, but was judged to have been held up. However, when Cillian Tomkins decided to run a quick penalty, he released Jack Ryan for Gorey’s sixth try (38-7).
Despite the large points difference, Kilkenny continued to fight and pose a threat to the home side. Their persistence was rewarded when they broke the line and got over for a second try.
Kilkenny were coming back again and, just when they seemed to be getting a hold in the game, Gorey’s replacement prop, Cian Sullivan, took hold of the ball and powered over to re-establish the lead (45-12).
To their credit, Kilkenny never stopped fighting even as the clock ticked toward the full-time mark. And it was no more than they deserved when they got through again to leave the final score 45-17.
This was a good win for Gorey to continue their unbeaten run, but there’s no doubt that there will be questions asked about their first-half performance.
Gorey had some outstanding performances, with special mention for the return of Alex Rothwell, a great performance out of his normal playing position by Adam Byrne, and the huge tackle count of Joe Butler. But for sheer determination and great support runs, the man of the match goes to Oran Fitzpatrick.
Gorey are on the road next week when they travel to Skerries.
Gorey: Niall Kenny, Cormac Walsh, Jack Ryan, Joe Butler, Tadhg O’Neill (capt.), Oran Fitzpatrick, Alex Rothwell, Adam Byrne, Cillian Tomkins, Cathal Stokes, Eoin Canavan, Gonzalo Sanchez, Brian O’Leary, Andrew Cushen, Oisín Fortune. Subs. - Carl Johnston, Cian Sullivan, Rhys Slator, Seán Wafer, Donough McGivern.