Goole entertained second bottom placed side Rotherham Phoenix at Westfield on Saturday, who had brought a patched up side with only 2 replacements, but the opening exchanges were dominated by the visitors with Goole barely touching the ball for the first 10 minutes and Phoenix should have taken the lead when a relatively simple penalty kick attempt was pushed just wide. Goole then decided to wake up and a turnover allowed Will Turnbull to break and release Tom Halliday who beat several covering defenders to score under the posts. Another 15 minutes of midfield play ensued before Will Townend's break created space for winger Phil Neal to roll over in the corner, well converted by Barrass. Two more Goole tries followed in quick succession through Tom Halliday and Will Turnbull, both converted by Barrass to secure the bonus point after 30 minutes. Goole were now warming to the task and added 2 more scores before the break through Sam Atkinson and Rhys Moore, one converted by Barrass for 40 points at the interval.
It was more of the same after the break, a great handling movement from deep saw James Dougherty cross in the corner, this time unconverted. 10 minutes in and a chip over the defence, gathered by Chris Wood, his hopeful overhead pass finding Oscar Sugden who rounded the fullback to score a try, converted from the touchline by Rich Barrass.
17 year old Joseph Grimbleby then entered the fray for his first team debut and his first contribution was the scoring pass to Tom Halliday, over for his hat-trick in the corner, unfortunately his spectacular diving finish ended his participation in the game! 57-0. A less spectacular try was next, a catch and drive at the lineout saw Matty "Tink" Taylor dive over in the corner. Back to the spectacular and good hands by Sam Atkinson saw him release Kyle Hall whose pass put Chris Wood over in the corner, converted by Barrass for 69-0. Despite skipper Rhys Moore ending the game in the sin bin, Goole absorbed some pressure from the visitors looking for a consolation score, but they were to be denied by good defending until Will Turnbull broke from deep to find Will Townend in support and quick hands from Joe Grimbleby released Rich Barrass to score and convert his own try for a final score of 76 nil.
Credit to the Rotherham lads for never giving up but they were no match for Goole in this mood and on a much firmer pitch than of late, their improved forward pack providing good ball to release the dangerous backs, the forwards mobility also allowing them to support, creating great continuity and flowing moves with plenty of options for the ball carrier.
A break from League action this week as Goole send a squad to The Good Friday sevens at Pocklington. There are still a few paces left on the bus but these are going quickly, contact Rhys Moore if you wish to reserve a seat.