Nolan kicks Gorey home
THE VALUE of a reliable place-kicker can never be underestimated, and last Sunday was no exception as James Nolan landed 17 points to put Gorey into the pot for round two of the Provincial Towns Cup. Gorey took a break from the league to make the long journey to Mullingar for the first round tie.
This is a competition that has eluded Gorey over the years and each year hopes of an extended run are harboured by all clubs irrespective of league positions.
Gorey travelled knowing that a top performance was required to overcome Mullingar and to have their name in the second round come 5 p.m. Sunday.
The game started at a hectic pace as Mullingar defied their league position to take the game to Gorey. The home team had the first attempt, with a long-range penalty, which was just wide.
Gorey settled and moved into the home ‘22, and an infringement saw James Nolan land his first penalty. The next ten minutes saw both teams strive for territory but knock-ons or wrong options led to very little clearcut chances.
On the 20th minute Mullingar drew the teams level with a penalty. The next ten minutes saw Gorey stretch their lead with another Nolan penalty.
From the kick-off the try of the match saw Mark Whelan make huge yards up the field before he off-loaded to the ever-present Ben Horan who powered over from 30 metres for a cracking try.
Nolan was just wide with the conversion, but Mullingar kept their composure and with a minute to half-time reduced the lead to 11-6. The second-half again saw Mullingar reduce that lead further, to just two points, with another penalty.
Mullingar were now growing in confidence and tried to move the ball wide, but the ever-alert Stephen Duke appeared to intercept and run in for a fortuitous try which James Nolan converted.
True to form, back came Mullingar and solid work from their forwards saw them deep in the visitors’ half. Quick hands saw them work down the wing and cross for a good try, which they converted.
From the 50th minute James Nolan took control, as Mullingar conceded numerous penalties, and he landed three unanswered penalties to put daylight between the sides.
Mullingar refused to lie down and with minutes left crossed for another try. But time was to be their enemy and the referee’s last whistle signalled a hard-fought 27-23 win for the visitors.
Gorey will be at home to near neighbours Arklow in the second round on February 19. Next week it is the turn of the J2s who travel away to Carlow in the first round of the Towns Cup.
The club’s main fundraiser, Lip Sync Challenge, is on in the Amber Springs next Saturday night, February 4. It promises to be a great night with the show starting at 8 p.m.
Gorey: R. Deering, B. O’Connor, D. Bellanova, D. O’Leary, A. Bond, M. Whelan, B. Horan, J.P. Redmond, P. de Barra, S. Duke, N. Copeland, J. Nolan, G. Rynhart, J. Butterworth, D. Shannon, E. Walsh, C. Allen, J. Mulligan, S. Hadden, W. Rothwell, H. Gaiser, C. Butler, G. Bater.