A bonus point win over Kilkenny saw Gorey extend their unbeaten run to maintain pole position in the Leinster League Division 1A last Saturday, but Gorey had to work hard for this win as Kilkenny never gave up and despite their lowly league position provided a stern test for the home side.
Gorey started the game well and an early James Nolan penalty settled any nerves.
Gorey continued to press and good work by the pack saw them force Kilkenny deep into their 22. A penalty to the corner saw Gorey maul for the line for Eddie Horan to touch down.
For the next ten minutes it was all Gorey. but somehow the visitors managed to survive and as they were working their way up field a quick footed Jordan Ahern chose his moment to intercept and run in to extend Gorey’s lead. James Nolan added the conversion to leave the score 17 – 0.

Gorey players hitting the heights!

With half-time approaching Kilkenny rallied and managed to work their way up field and forced a penalty. They kicked to the corner. Gorey dealt with the maul but Kilkenny retained possession and it paid off when Simon O’Shea finished off to leave 10 between the sides at the break.
The second half saw Kilkenny up their game with Gorey soaking up several attacks. Gorey were patient and try number three came 15 minutes in when Gorey upped the pressure. A barraging run from Captain Steven Gardiner with phase after phase finally seeing Jordan Ahern dive over for a try. Nolan added the conversion to take the score to 24 – 7.
Kilkenny would not going away and from the restart camped in the Gorey half for the next ten minutes. Good ball retention saw them reduce the Gorey lead with a well worked try in the corner after Gorey were reduced to 14 with a yellow card for a high tackle.
But Gorey were now in search of a bonus point and some huge carries from the likes of Captain Steven Gardiner, Jordan Ahern and team-mates saw Gorey soon returned to the red zone.
A powerful run from Eoin Walsh was just stopped short, but Aidan O’Brien was on hand to take it on and popped it to Walsh to go over for Gorey’s first bonus point of the campaign, Nolan added the conversion to leave the score at 31 – 12.
The game was done and dusted but Kilkenny never gave up and could have added to their score after a good phase of play.
The match finished with Gorey retaining their unbeaten run to remain top of the league for another week.
Gorey had some good performances with Aidan O’Brien, Steven Duke and James Nolan the pick of the backs. Stephen Gardiner, Eoin Walsh and man of the match Jordan Ahern were excellent in a good forward performance.
GOREY TEAM; D. Bellanova, E. Batham, C. Allen, S. Gardiner, (Capt.), T. Jamison, K. Breen, E. Horan, J. Ahearne, A. O’Brien, S. Duke, J. Naughton, J. Nolan, J. Rothwell, C. Power, R. Harrington, E. Walshe, S. Hadden, L. Molloy, D. Gregan, R. Brooks.
Gorey are away to Boyne next week kick off is at 3pm.

Gorey J2’s stay in contention
Gorey RFC J2’s continued their good run in the Leinster League Seconds Division 1A with a workman like performance over a never say die Kilkenny on Saturday
Gorey were first out of the blocks with a Morne Kemp penalty after five minutes.
The Kilkenny response was quick and good work off the top of their lineout saw them move the ball wide and when Gorey failed to deal with the threat the visitors ran in for a relatively easy try. They also added the convert.
On 30 minutes Gorey stretched their lead when off the base of the scrum full back Colm O’Keefe touched down for a well worked try. Morne Kemp added the conversion.
17 – 7 was how it stayed at the break.
Gorey had to wait until the 20th minute of the second half to add a further score. Morne Kemp who was threatening whenever he had the ball in hand made huge ground. He was stopped just short but quick recycling saw David O’Neill go over for Gorey’s third try. Kemp was just wide with the conversion attempt.
Gorey kept up the pressure with Darragh O’Leary on his first game back carrying well. But somehow there was to be no further scores as both sides huffed and puffed to see Gorey win on a score of 22 – 7.
Gorey had some good performances with Darragh O’Leary, Stanley Hadden and Willy Rothwell the pick of the forwards. Robbie Brooks, Colm O’Keefe and man of the match Morne Kemp showed well in the backs.
GOREY TEAM ; W. Rothwell, L. Molloy, D. Gregan, K. Rothwell, D. O’Leary, E. Walshe, C. Reynolds, S. Hadden, G. Bater, C. Hadden, C. O’Keefe, M. Kemp, D. O’Neill, R. Brooks, B. Brooks, B. Mason, B. O’Connor, R. Deering, N. Cousins, M. Duke. D Sawyer.