1st XV Back to Winning Ways

Goole bounced back to winning ways at Barnsley with a scintillating second half display that put to bed any supporter worries that standards were slipping. The game started at a blistering pace and there was no indication of what was to come after a hard fought first half that ended with Goole edging in front 21 – 22, the lead changing hands seven times.

Goole’s first try came straight from the kick off with Beecher scoring out wide after the first of many strong runs by Sam Smith who was paired up again with Matty Lill in the centre. Barnsley responded almost straight away after they snapped up a loose ball near half way to take the lead 7 – 5 after just three minutes. This frantic start continued with another Goole try by Holt, this time converted by Moore and then a Barnsley converted try to regain the lead 14 – 12 after just 14 minutes. The game then entered into what may be called a normal period of play with no scoring as they tested each other out with strong carries into thundering tackles. It was, however, Goole that started to get the upper hand taking the game to Barnsley despite playing into a stiff breeze. The pressure often resulted in Barnsley conceding penalties that enabled Goole to maintain pressure, and it was no surprise when Lill ran in Goole’s third try from close in.

Sadly, Goole could not hold on to the lead for long as poor tackling in midfield allowed the Barnsley centre to run through, almost unopposed, to off load for a score under the posts to regain the lead 21 – 19. However, Goole did not let this disappointing lapse phase them, as they roared back to force another penalty, that was kicked by Moore, for Goole to regain the lead for the fourth time in the half 21 – 22. In the final minute of the half, Goole had another penalty in front of the posts. Such was the confidence with which they were playing, they ran the ball in search of another try; it looked like it had paid off when Lill followed up his own grubber kick into the dead ball area to touch down. Unfortunately, the referee’s view of the grounding appeared to be blocked and so the try was not awarded.

Half Time BARNSLEY 21 – 22 GOOLE

The second half started well for Goole after winning possession from the kick off and Moore dropping a sweet drop goal from 35 metres to extend the lead to 21 – 25. From this position, Goole never looked back as they totally dominated the second half. Looking dangerous every time they had the ball, Goole forced Barnsley into conceding penalties that were tapped and ran at pace, creating havoc in the retreating defence. The Goole forwards were all eager ball carriers and every one of them played well as the pressure mounted. It was from one storming run by Taylor that a second try for Holt was awarded after just five minutes of the second half to stretch the lead to 21 – 30.

A poor restart allowed Goole to retain possession and maintain their high tempo game as they ran the ball at every opportunity with quick hands from forwards and backs alike. Moore kicked a well-struck penalty and that was followed by a rare try from James Walton who powered in by the posts, 21 – 40.

There was no coming back for Barnsley and, despite all their efforts, they failed to score in the second half as Goole ran in three more tries through Barrass, Chantry and Beecher. The final score of 21 – 57 was a good reflection of how well Goole played, scoring eight tries in total and 35 unanswered points in the second half.

This was an excellent all-round squad effort with replacements coming off the bench to make significant contributions as the game progressed. As a result, it is difficult to pick out any one individual for the man-of-the-match award as forwards and backs alike showed their determination to put recent disappointing results behind them. They will certainly be in the right frame of mind for the top of the table clash against Northallerton next week.