CARRICK 25
GORT. 0
Match abandoned!
On the worst conditions of the rugby-playing year ( so far!) , the Carrick lads dominated a weaker but brave Gort side last weekend in Gort.
The home side only had 14 players to which Carrick agreed to reduce to 14 also.
From the first minute the Carrick XV showed their intent with strong running and good support play. Gort, despite a very brave defensive effort couldnt cope with the non-stop forward runs of Timothy, Oran, Liam T , Jude, Fiachra and newcomers Ciarán O K and Peter F. Big shift throughout from Eli too when replacing Ciarán.
Both teams struggled with passing and ball handling due to awful weather conditions but the Carrick half backs, Rory and Ethan frequently kept the backline involved with John, Cavan, Shane S, Ryan S and Patrick doing their best in the conditions.
Yes, frequent passes went to ground and some were incomplete but Gort didnt really have an answer tbroughout the game and never threatened the Carrick line throughout the entire game.
Carrick tries were scored in the opening 2 minutes by Liam T crashing over the line after a good pick and great ruck work from the pack on the Gort 22m line. Ryan Sheahan touched down after a super run down the line for Carrick’s second and his first try in his first game for the 17s. Next up was John M with a great run from 50m out after good handling from both half backs and Shane S. Cavan Mc put the game to bed with another great solo effort from inside his own half. Carrick’s 5th and final try was a terrific effort from Patrick K who took 2/3 Gort men with him as he finished off a great run from 20m out after very solid work from Fiachra and Jude.
That score came 20 mins into the 2nd half. Gort were reduced to 12 thru injury which meant the game was now downgraded to a challenge match. The game continued briefly before being called off with 15 mins left which had as much to do with the grim weather and v poor pitch conditions.
Connacht Branch will let us know if we get the win later in the week.
A great effort and a long day in the West of Ireland but ultimately it was great to get a game in.
Well done lads!!!