J2 crew keep up winning run for Gorey

GOREY 22, DUNDALK 19: The Gorey J2s kept up their winning run with a narrow 22-19 win over visitors Dundalk on Saturday.

This was an exciting game from start to finish, with both teams prepared to run the ball at every opportunity.

The home team got off to the perfect start when Eoin Walsh powered over for the opening try. Cian Hadden added the conversion.

A further Hadden penalty put Gorey 10-0 up as they kept control of proceedings.

Eoin Walsh touched down for his second try after some excellent phases from the home team. Hadden added the conversion to put Gorey 17-0 clear and it looked as if they might win with ease.

But Dundalk had different ideas. They slowly began to get a foothold in the game as they tried to move the ball on every occasion, and a sustained bout of pressure and some excellent handling saw winger Dave McElligott touch down in the corner which they also converted to leave the score at 17-7 at the break.

Gorey failed to deal with the re-start and Dundalk took full advantage and reduced the arrears to just three points with a try and conversion.

Gorey responded with Eoin Walsh, Cameron Reynolds, Lar Kinsella and company making hard yards.

A number of phases later, Lloyd Stephens put some daylight between the sides when he crossed for Gorey’s third try, with Cian Hadden just wide with the conversion attempt. But Dundalk were not finished yet and crossed for their third try to leave just three between the sides again.

Gorey had to work hard for the remaining minutes as Dundalk threw everything at them and held out for a good win after an excellent game between two even sides.

Gorey had some good performances, with Dave O’Neill, Robbie Brooks and Gareth Bater the pick of the backs. The forwards created the platform for this victory, with Eoin Walsh, Lloyd Stephens and man of the match Cameron Reynolds showing well.

Next week Gorey travel to Ashbourne.

Gorey: W. Rothwell, L. Molloy, D. Sawyer, Z. Sinnott, L. Stephens, C. Reynolds, N. Cousins, E. Walsh, G. Bater, S. Hadden, A. O’Brien, E. Buckley, D. O’Neill, B. Brooks, R. Brooks, S. Tomkins, J. Mulligan, R. Deering, L. Kinsella, J. Willoughby.