Goole RUFC U11’s at the Driffield Festival – Sunday 16 April 2023

April is traditionally ‘festival’ season for those ‘mini’ players associated with rugby union clubs, and Sunday was no different as Goole RUFC U11’s travelled to Driffield to play the first of three festivals. Goole travelled with 15 players to Kellythorpe on what turned out to a warm, bright and sunny spring morning. The draw saw Goole scheduled to play teams from Pocklington, Selby, Malton and Driffield. The format for the morning was ten-minute matches with each team fielding nine players.

The first game saw Goole play Pocklington in what turned out to be a one-sided match as the players from Westfield Banks proved to be too strong for their opponents. Oliver N and Poppy scored two try’s a piece, with scores also coming from Vinnie, Aiden and Lincoln. George G and George P were a constant thorn in Pocklington’s side as they tackled anything that moved. Eva controlled play in her new found position of scrum half whilst Noah’s powerful running was too much for the opposition. Final score was 7-0 to Goole.

Goole’s second fixture was against Selby A. The match was very even until the deadlock was broken by a suspiciously looking forward pass. Back came Goole with Oliver H, Wilf and Alfie making powerful runs, only for the final pass to go astray or the ball to be turned over at the breakdown. Kyle and Isaac may be small in stature but not effort as they constantly looked for holes in the defensive line. Dylan and Poppy carried strongly with Aiden and Noah covering every blade of grass on the pitch as they thwarted numerous Selby attacks. Selby scored two furthers try’s to leave the final score 3-0 to Selby.

Game 3 saw Goole play Malton and Norton in a thoroughly entertaining fixture. George G showed that he is much more than a tackling machine as he opened the scoring, finishing off a move that started with Lincoln carrying the ball three quarters of the length of the pitch before off loading to George for a great team try. George P took on the role of top tackler as he marshalled the Goole defensive line with great maturity. However, Malton were next to score with a try of their own, despite an excellent last ditch tackle from Eva. Oliver H showed that he was listening to the coaches instructions as his ball retention was excellent, even throwing in a couple of offloads to supporting players. Further scores were to arrive from Vinnie (2), one of which was a fine individual try as he carved through the Malton defensive line before executing a ‘frog splash’ whilst waving at his mum as he crossed the try line. Oliver N also scored a quick fire hat trick, with his final score passing through four Goole players hands before Isaac unselfishly passed the ball to allow Oliver to complete his hat trick when he could have scored himself. Final score seeing Goole victorious 6-1.

Game 4 saw Goole play Selby B. After losing to their local rivals earlier that morning, Goole came flying out of the traps. George and George worked in tandem to tackle Selby players, providing great field position for their teammates to attack. Wilf was outstanding, as he hunted down Selby players, putting in some huge hits. Dylan and Kyle worked tirelessly, especially at the breakdown as they ensured Selby couldn’t get any quick ball. Alfie and Poppy took on the responsibility of ball carrier, as they worked hard to cross the game line. Eva used her athleticism to move around the pitch supporting her teammates. With the game being even, it took two pieces of magic from Vinnie to decide the game. The first score as Vinnie outpaced the covering defence to score in the corner and the second as he threw an outrageous dummy that the defensive line bought to allow him to score the try. Final score 2-0 to Goole.

Game 5 saw Goole host Driffield B, in what proved to be a very tight affair. Oliver N and Aiden both made early breaks but were unable to find a teammate with the try line agonisingly close by. Noah made some huge tackles, supported by Oliver H and Dylan. Lincoln opened the scoring for Goole when he ran a great line to score in the corner. Kyle was agonisingly close to scoring but he was judged to be held up over the try line. Wilf used his strength to hit breakdowns and disrupt any clean ball for the opposition. Dylan was playing with a new found confidence as he twisted and turned looking for gaps in the defensive line. However, it was left to Isaac to score the decisive try as he threw a dummy from the back of the ball before running down the blind side and scoring in the corner. Final score was 2-0 to Goole.

Goole’s final match at the festival was against Driffield A. With the temperature and number of games taking its toll on the players from Westfield Banks, they struggled to match Driffield’s intensity and power, particularly at the breakdown. However, the Goole players worked their socks off, with Lincoln, George and George making some fantastic tackles. Driffield opening the scoring before Goole equalised thanks to Oliver N, who stole the ball in a one-on-one tackle before placing the ball down. Driffield worked their way back in to the game, scoring two quick try’s. Goole continued to battle, with Aiden, Eva and Alfie working together to prevent any more scores. Poppy and Vinnie worked tirelessly to get their team back into the contest but to no avail. Final score was 5-1 to Driffield.

The festival was a hugely successful event, with Goole playing some excellent rugby. The coaches were incredibly proud of the players never say die attitude and their willingness to take on board instructions, particularly when attacking. Thanks must also go to the players parents and grandparents who, as usual, were the most vocal on the touchline!

Player of the festival went to George G for his attitude, effort and of course his work around the pitch, particularly defensively.

The event was also the first festival that Goole had worn their new playing shirts and shorts. The coaches and players wish to thank their sponsors Acumen Solutions, Duncan Renewables, Devlin Transport and DRF Electrical, without whom there would be no team.