Firsts Earn Home Win in Autumn Sunshine

Another bonus point victory on another day where Goole’s patchy play was again evident, as was their potential to create excellent passages of play.
On a glorious sunny autumn afternoon, with ground conditions firmly in their favour and against a side struggling at the bottom end of the league table, much was expected by the strong home support, eager to watch a young exciting 1st XV.
The start they got was not a good one, when on the 6th min home prop James Walton was sin binned for a dangerous tackle on a visiting player. Open to opinion as to whether the new rules applying to tackles are legit, or being refereed too severely? Usually statiistics prove that a side with a man down will concede 7 points. The 8th min disproved this, when Goole scored a try courtesy of fullback Holt, when he finished off a passage of play starting with an excellent touch line kick from a penalty. A good throw by Green, a good take by Morris, ball into mid field courtesy of Shand, Holt in support and 5 points on the board.
From the re-start ‘Hegians got a hold on play and forced their way into Goole’s ‘22’ ending with a converted penalty to reduce the deficit to 2 points. Then followed 20 mins of Goole pressing forward but creating a mixed bag of play but mostly in the visiting side's half. Then, against the play, Hegians got into the home sides half, and were awarded another easy penalty chance, which they took, to lead for the first time 5-6.
As usual a score against brings typical response from Goole. Lots of pressure against solid defence lasted until the 39th min, with Shand’s strong running allowing him to force his way over the try line and Captain Moore providing the conversion to re-take the lead 12-6 and end the half on top.
Crowd expectation for the 2nd half was justified within 2 mins of the re-start. A strong drive forward by Walton ended with Moore looking to get the outside backs going but instead dummying through the visiting defence to score under the posts. A try he also converted for a lead of 19-6.
Again came the response by their opponents who tried and tried to breach the home defence without success, until the 63rd min. A penalty on half way was kicked to touch. Possession creating 5 phases of play for their hooker to score under Goole’s posts, add the conversion and they were back in the game at 19-13 with signs that they could go further. So it came as a great relief when, on the 32nd min, Man of the Match Marwood darted over following a lineout and strong all-round support play, which again was converted by Moore, to give them a 26-13 lead, plus a try bonus point.
Roundhegians did stay in the game and eventually got over again in the right corner on the 38th min, but it was to be the last score of the game. Victory going to Goole with both a win and try bonus adding to their tally so far this season. The visitors getting a consolation point for finishing with 7 points of the victors. Well deserved from a decent side.
Goole are certainly showing that they can deal with this new level of competition. Entertaining and enthusiasm always on show. Equally the need to use a large group due to injuries and unavailability has not really thrown them off track to date. The weather though, has certainly been in favour of their style of play, so fingers crossed for as dry calm winter which could serve them well.
So, to MOM. No 9 George Marwood coming into the side this week and showing he has much to offer. His style enabling Goole to play round the break down, particularly from his darting runs around the ruck. He certainly deserved the accolade this week but mention should also go to stand off Moore, who contributed 11 points to the total. Green at Hooker looks the part, veteran Dougherty in midfield had his usual sound game and full back Dan Holt produced all a fullback should, with crunching tackles &and effective broken play support from the back.
With one bogey team from last season dealt with, the task this Saturday is to travel to Leodiensians and claim another win, which to my knowledge hasn’t happen much in recent visits.So fasten your seat belts for another rocky ride. Hopefully with a sound landing and the final whistle in favour of Goole.