1st XV Secure Promotion with Win Against West Leeds

This was truly a game of statistics for the “Statto’s” amongst us.
Firstly, and most importantly Goole were automatically promoted on the back of this victory with third placed Northallerton losing. Secondly in winning this game Goole scored 11 tries, a record this season and lastly Goole played with only 12 men for approximately 15 mins, with 3 players receiving yellow cards. Two for deliberate knocks on and one for killing the ball at the break down. So the result in itself was some achievement. The game was by no means one sided, with West Park proving tough opposition from start to finish. The real difference was that Goole did play some excellent attacking rugby and more importantly, when under pressure from the visitor’s, they were able to spring out of defence and immediately use their pace and support play to good effect.
Goole’s first try came after just 6 mins when No8 Taylor took a quick tap penalty linked with Goole’s centres, ending with Barrass touching down in the right corner. 5 mins later and hat trick man Matty Lill jinked his way past three men to go in under the posts following a chip over the defence by Moore. Moore converted for a 12 -0 lead.
On 21 mins Goole scored again, courtesy of full back Holt following good interplay involving Moore, Wood, Chantry and Holt who finished off. West Park then pulled 3 points back. Play ebbed to and fro until the 36th min, when Goole’s capt Moore had to leave the field with a facial injury, following a head on clash with one of the larger Park contingent. The re-set was won by Park, who powered over for their first try of the day, with the conversion added. Leaving the gap 17-10 to Goole.
Goole's re-shuffled back line saw Devenish come on to play in the centre, while Barrass moved off the wing and into the stand off position. This seemed to do the trick as Barrass kicked into the corner from a penalty. The line out won, Barrass passed to Devenish allowing him to break through the visitors midfield to pass to Lill, for his 2nd score. Beecher converting for a half time lead of 24-10.
The second period started with Goole under pressure from the kick off and not seeming able to get away from their 10 mtr line, as Park forced the play. But up popped Barrass to intercept a pass, running 60 mtrs unopposed to score. Beecher again adding the kick.
9 mins later and it was prop Walton breaking 3 tackles following a scrum break by Harman, touching down under the posts. Beecher was once again on target to take the lead to to 38-10 in favour of the home side. Again the game flowed back in Park's favour, ending with the wingers grubber kick rolling into the Goole in goal. Unfortunately, the simple clearance was missed for Park to again take advantage to score a 2nd try. The score now 38-15.
Matty Lill secured his hat trick soon after following an excellent pass from Barrass, who was now running the show with lightning breaks and accurate passing. Leeds did get a score back, before the silly yellow card period began.
In the last 10 mins of the game Sam Smith scored 2 tries, one seeing him sprint 70 mtrs to the line. Barrass closing the show with 2 more conversions, plus his 2nd score on the 84th min. There was, however, still time for the never say die visitors to snatch another score on 85 mins.

To sum up there was incident from minute one, to the last minute of stoppage time. Although, from early in the second period it always looked unlikely that Goole would lose. For all those paying to watch, they certainly got value for money which as almost been the case every week. Greg Bone the DoR, must take great credit in producing a squad that almost always performs well, particularly their attacking prowess, which has resulted in them accumulating the highest number of bonus points in Yorkshire 2.
So, two games to go and Leos only 2 points behind. Having led for almost all the season, Goole are focused on finishing top, however they have a tough away visit to Wetherby next week. Play to their strengths and all should be well, drop their standard and who knows. Fingers now firmly crossed.