Seconds go down to the table-toppers
ASHBOURNE 25, GOREY 16: The Gorey J2s made the trip to Meath on Saturday to take on league leaders Ashbourne.
Gorey were looking to keep up their excellent run of late and put a dent in the home team’s point advantage.
The hosts dominated the proceedings in the opening half and raced into a big lead as Gorey struggled to quell the Ashbourne attack.
Ashbourne crossed for three tries, with two Cian Hadden penalties in reply leaving the half-time score at 21-6.
Gorey had the strong breeze at their back and within minutes had reduced the Ashbourne lead with a further Hadden penalty.
In the second-half Gorey grew in confidence and worked their way into the Ashbourne ‘22 more frequently.
A big carry from Lloyd Stephens took Gorey into the Ashbourne half and, a number of good phases later, the pressure finally yielded a try when Lloyd Stephens went over.
Hadden added the extra two points to close the gap and leave the score between the sides at 22-16.
But it was as near as Gorey were to get as a further penalty from the home team put the game beyond them.
Gorey had some good performances in the backs, with Gareth Bater, David O’Neill and Robert Harrington the pick. Lloyd Stephens, Willie Rothwell and Cameron Reynolds showed well in the forwards.
Gorey: W. Rothwell, L. Molloy, D. Sawyer, L. Stephens, C. Reynolds, N. Cousins, E. Walsh, B. Mason, G. Bater, S. Hadden, A. O’Brien, E. Buckley, D. O’Neill, R. Harrington, B. Brooks, R. Brooks, G. Bater, J. Mulligan, R. Deering, J. Willoughby, Z. Sinnott.