Resounding Home Win for 1st XV

Goole took another big stride forward in this seasons push for promotion, with a resounding home victory, against a team looking to add to last weeks excellent victory against high flying Northallerton. The truth of the win was simply down to two factors. Firstly, a depleted visiting squad who clearly were no match for Goole but secondly, and most importantly Goole were on top form, at last finding an 80 minute action packed game, showing all their skills, energy and versatility from start to finish.
The try fest started as early as the 2nd minute and continued throughout with the last score coming in the 75th minute when 2nd rower Will Townend went over for his 2nd try. The opening try was registered after only 2 minutes courtesy of No 8 Matt Taylor. Taylor was excellent from first to last with strong runs through the centre of Grovians defence, constantly getting Goole going forward. His performance rewarded with Director of Rugby Greg Bones’ selection as Man of the Match. James Chantry can feel unlucky himself, not to have won the accolade. His hat-trick of tries and consistent forays deep into the Grovian's half creating havoc. He has certainly provided consistent performances this season, the only player to have played the full 80 mins every week and currently the leading try scorer. Aside from his undoubted ability, he is an out and out team player and with the support of the rest of this impressive crop of players, Goole are becoming a formidable outfit.
Other scores came from Rob Shand and Will Townend, both bagging a brace each. Matt Taylor, Ryan Lamb, Sam Smith, Luke Beecher, Tom Green and George Marwood providing the other points. Last but not least Captain Moore added 9 conversions, along with controlling many of the plays which created wave after wave of attack.
Goole look a very good side. In fact they are a very good side but, like Grovians, they seem unable to put out a settled team each week. Next week being no different, with a number of players unavailable, as they attend squad members Rich Binn's wedding.
In analysing the performance, it was clear that Goole’s pack were dominant, even accepting that Grovians had forwards missing. The lineout was a little inconsistent, but that was partly down to Goole’s change in personnel in their pack. The backs were at their best, both in defence and attack. Particular note of this was in the last 10 mins of the game, when a visitors clean break away was stopped by Goole when in the home 22, thus ensuring a clean defensive sheet. It wouldn’t have made any difference to the score, but Goole had targeted nilling the opposition, once in front.

For the spectators it was a point a minute entertainment, even managing to keep most of the home supporters away from the clubhouse TV, where another good side were entertaining Australia. To a few it was a competitive training session, as was mentioned by one or a two at the end of the game. But there’s no pleasing everybody. For me it was the chance to see Goole go through all their routines, as well as individuals being able to show what they can do. Another bonus point win and a massive boost to their points difference being as good as it gets.
Flat tracks and decent weather has been in the team’s favour so far, which certainly suits them well. So, fingers crossed for a beautiful warm and dry winter!
Lets hope next weeks visit to West Park Leeds goes as well as the season has so far.