Leinster League Division 1B
Kilkenny 13-11 Gorey
By Orla Henebry
The travelling supporters of Kilkenny Rugby Football Club were treated to an early Christmas present on Saturday evening in Clonattin, Gorey. Kilkenny 1sts pulled off an unbelievable win over Gorey in their final Leinster League game of 2024, snatching victory by 2 points in the last play of the match. The dramatic finish capped an intense and hard-fought contest, leaving the visiting fans delighted.
The match began at a blistering pace, with Kilkenny winger Aaron Askins crossing the try line just six minutes into the game. Askins has been a standout performer this season, and his early score showcased his growing confidence and skill. Unfortunately, full-back Axel Montgomery missed the conversion, leaving the score at 5-0 in Kilkenny’s favor. Gorey responded swiftly, putting three points on the board with a penalty just two minutes later, narrowing the gap to 5-3.
Discipline proved to be an issue for Kilkenny throughout the first half. Persistent infringements saw the referee award multiple penalties to Gorey. Although the home side missed two opportunities to add points through the boot, Kilkenny’s captain Garry Dunne was shown a yellow card for repeated team offenses. With their skipper in the sin bin for ten minutes, Kilkenny faced immense pressure as they played with 14 men.
Gorey capitalized on their advantage, scoring a try midway through the half. The conversion, however, was missed, keeping the score at 8-5 in favor of the hosts.
A further penalty late in the first half extended Gorey’s lead to 11-5 as the halftime whistle blew. Despite trailing and facing challenges with discipline, Kilkenny’s first-half performance had plenty of positives. Hooker Ben Devlin delivered flawless lineout throws, out-half Jack Campion orchestrated play with precision, and the backline defense, led by centre Brian “Beano” McDonald, stood firm, with McDonald putting in some thunderous tackles.
The second half saw Kilkenny come out with renewed determination. For the opening 15 minutes, they camped inside Gorey’s half, applying relentless pressure. It was club captain Garry Dunne who eventually broke through, scoring in the corner after a sustained forwards’ effort. However, Montgomery’s conversion attempt went wide once again, leaving Kilkenny trailing by just one point at 11-10.
With the game finely poised, Kilkenny intensified their efforts. Every player on the pitch, including substitutes, threw themselves into the contest. Despite creating numerous opportunities, handling errors and penalties thwarted Kilkenny’s attempts to take the lead. Gorey, meanwhile, struggled to gain any meaningful possession in the final quarter, as Kilkenny’s dominance in territory and attack kept them pinned in their own half. The Gorey supporters, buoyed by the prospect of a narrow home victory, cheered loudly, adding to the tension.
Then, in the dying moments, Kilkenny were awarded a penalty in the last play of the game. The atmosphere was electric as young Jack Campion stepped up to take the crucial kick. The crowd fell silent as he composed himself, and with the confidence of a seasoned professional, Campion struck the ball cleanly. The Kilkenny players and supporters erupted in celebration as the ball sailed through the posts, sealing a dramatic 13-11 victory.
The scenes at the final whistle were unforgettable. Kilkenny’s players and management celebrated passionately on the pitch, while the Gorey supporters looked on in stunned disbelief. Coach Corey Carthy praised his team’s unity and resilience in his post-match huddle, emphasizing that the performance reflected their hard work and determination.
This thrilling win sees Kilkenny finish the year in fourth place in Division 1B of the Leinster League, a strong position as they look ahead to the remainder of the season. The team will next take on Wexford Wanderers at home in Foulkstown on January 11, 2025. The Noresiders will be seeking revenge for their earlier loss to Wexford and hope to carry the momentum from this victory into the new year.
Kilkenny’s supporters left Clonattin with their spirits high, already looking forward to what promises to be an exciting second half of the season. The team’s determination, skill, and ability to deliver in the clutch moments suggest that they will remain a force to be reckoned with in the Leinster League and a win on January 11th at home to Wexford would see Kilkenny right back in the hunt for Leinster League promotion.
Kilkenny (1-20) Brian Howe, Ben Devlin, Josh Evans, Jake Caldbeck, Jay Leahy, Joe Connolly, Wes Carter, Garry Dunne ©, Steve Atkinson, Jack Campion, Tommy Murphy, Brian McDonald, Nehuen Rossetti, Aaron Askins, Axel Montgomery, Charlie Buckley, Jason Connolly, Liam McWey, Dan Dowling, Dan O’Neill.
Kilkenny 2nd XV gave a battling display in the curtain raiser but ultimately came up short in their league game. The day started with a few late injuries and an unexpected setback when Alex Reynolds pulled up with a hamstring issue during the warmup. This forced a last-minute adjustment, with Freddie Quaglia stepping in to play the full game. Despite the disruptions, the team showed determination as they prepared to face a strong Gorey side.
The first half was an intense battle, with Gorey having the upper hand in terms of territory and possession. Kilkenny, however, showed immense grit in defence, with every player stepping up to make crucial tackles and keep the opposition at bay. Yaseen Williams delivered under pressure, scoring a well-taken penalty to keep Kilkenny in the game. At halftime, the score was level at 3-3, a testament to the team’s resilience and work ethic.
The second half saw Kilkenny come out with renewed energy and intent. They dominated early on, spending long periods camped inside Gorey’s half. The pressure was relentless, but credit to Gorey’s defence, who managed to hold firm with some last-ditch tackles and scramble defence to keep Kilkenny from crossing the line. Despite Kilkenny’s efforts, it was Gorey who broke the deadlock. A blocked clearance kick led to their first try, a blow to Kilkenny’s momentum.
Undeterred, Kilkenny continued to battle. The players worked tirelessly, making their hits and contesting every breakdown. However, Gorey managed to secure a second try with only a few minutes remaining, effectively sealing the game.
While the final result was a disappointing loss, the performance showcased the character and determination of the Kilkenny team. Every player stepped up when it mattered, demonstrating commitment and resilience despite the challenges faced.
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