Carlow Rugby’s thirds are out of this year’s Anderson Cup at the semi-final stages.
Reporting by John Shirley.
Fresh from their quarter final win over Naas, a talented young Carlow Junior thirds side travelled to Gorey on Sunday but their semi-final opponents proved too strong for the Barrowsiders.
In a game that saw a lot of good rugby, Carlow edged the first half, leading 14-7 at the interval.
Out half Mike Sheeran used the wind skilfully to give Carlow field position and the lighter forwards were coping well.
Carlow’s scores came via tries from winger Dominic Rice and back row forward Aidan Wiebenga (pictured). The well-worked tries were scored out wide, both converted by full back Brian O Mahony.
Gorey had a dangerous strong running back three who threatened especially if any aimless kicks came their way.
Midway through the first half and twice early in the second half Gorey’s full back and winger slipped through Carlow tackles to score tries.
This put the home side into a 19-14 lead and whilst Carlow came back with another Wiebenga try, again converted by O Mahony, Gorey replied with two converted tries to prevail 33-21.
In the end the home venue shaded it for the Wexford side. Gorey now face Ashbourne in the Anderson Cup final.
J4’s out next weekend
Meanwhile the Carlow Junior 4 side were given a bye into the next round of the Dunne Cup by Newbridge who were due to play Carlow at Oakpark last Saturday.
Carlow’s J4 side’s next cup game is against Kilkenny next weekend.
