Perfect start for Arklow
Derby victory tastes sweet
ARKLOW RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB got their season off to the perfect start this weekend, thanks to an impressive South East League win against old rivals Gorey.
The new-look Arklow side dispatched of Gorey on a score line of 27-17, despite the unavailability of several players, after their threetry display was too much for their travelling rivals.
The eight-point deficit was a flattering one for Gorey, who never looked like threatening the lead that Arklow amassed early, thanks to a try from the exciting Tommy New, who returns to the club this year after a spell playing in Gorey.
In what was otherwise a very polished performance for so early in the year, the only chink in Arklow’s formidable armour was a lack of discipline which saw them leak double-figure penalties in the first half.
Gorey’s Brian Brooks took advantage of this as he reduced the home side’s lead with a penalty from in front of goal.
The new management of Joe Bulmer and Dave Chapman has reignited a historical rugby flame in Arklow and has brought with it the return of several former players like Tadhg Ó Scannáil, Shane Nalty and Anthony O’Donnell.
Their experience was evident on the pitch while the return of Collie Doyle and Tommy New bolstered the squad with a youthful exuberance that was lacking in previous years.
Some simple mistakes cost Arklow an even bigger halftime lead, but thanks to his conversion of New’s try and two penalties, Mícheál Ó Scannáil’s boot left Arklow ahead, 13-3 at the break. The rivalry between the sides was evident as they were dragged apart from each other to their respective huddles.
Gorey’s introduction of veteran player Phil Horan changed the game somewhat in the second half and they profited with tries but both from Horan and Tommy Martin. Both however came after Arklow has already stretched their lead and the result never really looked in doubt.
The first of Arklow’s second half tries came after the hosts battered Gorey’s line for several phases before Richard Murphy dotted down with a powerful drive for the line. This was just one of Arklow’s barrage of surges deep in their opposition’s territory.
Ó Scannáil added the extras and continued adding to the scoresheet when his show and go and smart footwork saw him score the last of the home side’s tries.
An exciting season now lies ahead for Arklow as more players set to return promise to further improve the team.
Their attractive attacking style of play is a spectacle to behold and an exciting prospect for their league and cup campaigns.
They play Carlow next week in their second South East League fixture as they look to continue their winning ways.