1st XV Stay Top With Assured Performance

Having finished 2018 on top of the Y2 table, it had been thought that the impressive performances of the 1st XV may have been dulled by the long Christmas break, but far from it. What a start it was for all at the club, a first week back in the new year with three senior sides turning out and to top it all the 1st team produced another action packed performance, providing excellent value for all those supporting from the side lines.
Seven tries, six conversions and two penalties from the boot of captain Rhys Moore was much more than anyone could have hoped for.

As expected, Wheatley turned out with a much bigger and bulkier pack with the intention of controlling the game up front. Goole, on the other hand selected a typical all-round squad with every intention of playing their expansive running game. In the final analysis what happened was that Wheatley scored on the only there times they spent any real time in the home sides ‘22’. Otherwise it was Goole who ran the visitors ragged at every opportunity. Early exchanges did seem to show Goole starting slowly and taking until the 13th min before Moore was on hand to kick his first penalty of the day, being successful again two minutes later. From the re-start Wheatley began to push into home territory and their pressure payed off on the 20th min with a close-range drive and score, which was converted for them to take the lead. Goole then really stepped on the gas for Beecher to finish off and again Moore converting from wide out. Unfortunately, during the build up one of the Wheatley pack sustained a nasty leg injury requiring the game to be stopped until the emergency services could be summoned. Both teams taking an extended break in the dressing rooms, before re-taking the field more than 30 mins later.

Yet again, and unfortunately for Wheatley their kick off was immediately won by Goole for Beecher to claim his second score. Rob Shand was then on hand soon after to finish off a stunning passage of play involving most of the Goole side, with Moore again successful with the kick. This was to be the last score of the half.
HALF TIME GOOLE 27 WHEATLEY HILLS 7

More fun and games was on the menu in the second half, with Goole peppering the visitors from all angles, scoring another four tries, the last coming in the 84th min courtesy of Sam Smith. In between prop Corry and centre Jamie Shand also got on the score sheet, along with Beecher who completed his hat-trick. There were two more scores from the visitors, the last coming on the 80th minute from a pushover try.
There was much to admire in the winning performance from Greg Bone's squad. Offloads in the tackle, strong support play, freedom to take chances and a defensive resilience which couldn’t be bettered. The Goole back row in particular, were into everything. Rhys Almond, making a long-awaited return to 1st team duty worked hard throughout, Taylor at No 8 had his usual no nonsense straight running game, as well as making sure that scrum ball was secured, even on occasion when Goole were on the retreat. To top this was MOM Connor Walker whose non stop performance was a pleasure to watch. He sometimes appeared to be in three places at once, covering every inch of the whole pitch.
To sum up then, captain Moore controlled the game well with both his passing and kicking game. Equally his goal kicking provided 18 of the 53 points scored. Strong running from Beecher earned him his hat-trick and other points were generously spread across the backs. It was a perfect start to a busy month with three more fixtures, two of which are home games. The first of which sees Goole take on another difficult challenge when Yarnbury visit Westfield Banks next weekend.

As this report went to press it was reported that the injured Wheatley player had broken his leg but had been well looked after by our wonderful NHS. All at Goole wish him a speedy recovery.