BackSat 06 Sep 2025 · Counties 1 Yorkshire
1xvWensleydale
Tries: B Walker, M Lill (2), L Cooper (2), D Holt, W TownendConversions: R Moore
43
21
Goole Impress in Season Opener
Goole RUFC10 Sep - 12:22
Bumper Crowd Enjoys Home Win
With the ground looking great as a result of the new fencing and outdoor seating arrangements, Goole enjoyed a great try bonus point win to kick-start their Yorkshire One campaign. Add to that a bumper crowd made up of senior and junior members of the club who had enjoying a pre-match lunch and numerous invited guests from match sponsors Link Agency and Dimmack Brothers Ltd, along with matchball sponsor Phil Parkin Butchers, this was a terrific opening day of the season.
Unavailability of players was once again a disappointment for the Goole coaching team but this gave the opportunity for two more first team debutants, Max Millward and Luke Cooper on the wing and there was a new look about the team with the players off the bench playing a significant part in the victory due to numerous injury, tactical and positional changes being required throughout the match. It was this ever-changing team and formation that undoubtedly led to Goole going off the boil in the second half with the match already won. Ollie Pearson also made a welcome return at scrum half to link up with Rhys Moore at off half who has taken over as Captain of the side.
With possession from the kick off Goole immediately took the lead with an unconverted try by Billy Walker after fast hands in the backs, 5-0. Goole were dominating the early stages of the match with Matty Lill running in for a try after good work by Josh Malcolmson and Danny Holt. Moore’s conversion extending the lead to 12-0 with Wensleydale struggling to retain any possession due to the hard tackling Goole defensive line. The 3rd try quickly followed with the strong running Luke Cooper breaking through a number of stationary defenders after good work once again from the Goole backs. The conversion stretching Goole’s lead to 19-0 after just 17 minutes. Despite the early scrum and open play domination, Goole didn’t help their cause with some uncharacteristic fumbles and errors but that did not stop them getting the fourth bonus point try from the lively Danny Holt to bring the half time score to 24-0 with Wensleydale being unable to threaten the Goole try line throughout the half.
As the second half started it looked like Goole were carrying on as they did in the first half with a clear try scoring opportunity shortly after the restart. Unfortunately, the try scoring pass was anticipated by the lively Wensleydale defender who intercepted the ball to race the full length of the field to get the away team on the scoreboard 24-7. Goole’s response was immediate with Cooper once again charging though defenders to go over for a try that was successfully converted by Moore, 31-7. It would have been easy for Wensleydale to get their heads down but to their credit they took advantage of the numerous Goole team changes to threaten the Goole line and they were rewarded with their second converted try, 31-14. Despite the numerous changes, Goole forwards were dominant in the scrums but failed to take advantage as well as they would have liked and generally relied on quality touch line kicks by Rhys Moore to keep Goole on the front foot. Man of the Match Will Townend crashed over from close range for Goole’s sixth try of the game, 36-14 and this was followed by a second try from Matty Lill who had looked threatening throughout the match. 43-14. The final score went to Wensleydale who battled to the very end of the match to score their third try to make the final score 43-19.
Whilst it could be argued that Goole should and could have gone on to win the game handsomely after building a 24-0 half time lead, this would take credit away from a spirited performance from Wensleydale who competed throughout the match and held their own in the second half. Goole’s overall team performance was excellent and whilst the coaching team will have noted areas for improvement, the positives far outweighed any negative elements from the day. Here’s looking forward to Goole following up this performance with a win away at long term rivals West Leeds next week.
Unavailability of players was once again a disappointment for the Goole coaching team but this gave the opportunity for two more first team debutants, Max Millward and Luke Cooper on the wing and there was a new look about the team with the players off the bench playing a significant part in the victory due to numerous injury, tactical and positional changes being required throughout the match. It was this ever-changing team and formation that undoubtedly led to Goole going off the boil in the second half with the match already won. Ollie Pearson also made a welcome return at scrum half to link up with Rhys Moore at off half who has taken over as Captain of the side.
With possession from the kick off Goole immediately took the lead with an unconverted try by Billy Walker after fast hands in the backs, 5-0. Goole were dominating the early stages of the match with Matty Lill running in for a try after good work by Josh Malcolmson and Danny Holt. Moore’s conversion extending the lead to 12-0 with Wensleydale struggling to retain any possession due to the hard tackling Goole defensive line. The 3rd try quickly followed with the strong running Luke Cooper breaking through a number of stationary defenders after good work once again from the Goole backs. The conversion stretching Goole’s lead to 19-0 after just 17 minutes. Despite the early scrum and open play domination, Goole didn’t help their cause with some uncharacteristic fumbles and errors but that did not stop them getting the fourth bonus point try from the lively Danny Holt to bring the half time score to 24-0 with Wensleydale being unable to threaten the Goole try line throughout the half.
As the second half started it looked like Goole were carrying on as they did in the first half with a clear try scoring opportunity shortly after the restart. Unfortunately, the try scoring pass was anticipated by the lively Wensleydale defender who intercepted the ball to race the full length of the field to get the away team on the scoreboard 24-7. Goole’s response was immediate with Cooper once again charging though defenders to go over for a try that was successfully converted by Moore, 31-7. It would have been easy for Wensleydale to get their heads down but to their credit they took advantage of the numerous Goole team changes to threaten the Goole line and they were rewarded with their second converted try, 31-14. Despite the numerous changes, Goole forwards were dominant in the scrums but failed to take advantage as well as they would have liked and generally relied on quality touch line kicks by Rhys Moore to keep Goole on the front foot. Man of the Match Will Townend crashed over from close range for Goole’s sixth try of the game, 36-14 and this was followed by a second try from Matty Lill who had looked threatening throughout the match. 43-14. The final score went to Wensleydale who battled to the very end of the match to score their third try to make the final score 43-19.
Whilst it could be argued that Goole should and could have gone on to win the game handsomely after building a 24-0 half time lead, this would take credit away from a spirited performance from Wensleydale who competed throughout the match and held their own in the second half. Goole’s overall team performance was excellent and whilst the coaching team will have noted areas for improvement, the positives far outweighed any negative elements from the day. Here’s looking forward to Goole following up this performance with a win away at long term rivals West Leeds next week.
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