Knottingley RUFC 1st XV 10 - 27 Goole RUFC 1st XV

On a beautiful spring day Goole made the short trip along the M62 to promotion rivals Knottingley looking to consolidate their second position, their opponents just behind them in third place. Goole's last 2 games had seen them absorb pressure for the first quarter before gradually getting into their stride, but this week on an excellent surface in perfect conditions, hit the ground running, stretching the home sides defence for Jamie Shand to power through his opposite numbers tackle taking 2 other defenders over with him to score an unconverted try after only 4 minutes. An excellent touch kick by Rhys Moore took Goole back into Knottingley territory and when they over threw the lineout the ball was moved to Jamie Shand who spun out of the would be tackle to go over by the posts, Rhys Moore converting for 12 nil after 7 minutes. The resulting restart saw the forwards carry strongly before Jack Smiths offload found Tom Halliday to beat his man on halfway and sprint over to score, no conversion and Goole led 17 nil inside the first 10 minutes. The shell shocked hosts regrouped and finally got their game going, their strong forward pack began making inroads and several good offloads stretched the Goole defence allowing their big no.8 to touch down for 17-5. Goole then found themselves playing into the hands of the less mobile Knottingley side, looking for contact rather than the space they had found so well in the opening stanza, and following the concession of several penalties, Craig Fenton was sent to the sinbin, being the next offender and the quickly taken penalty allowed the hosts to create the space for a try in the corner, unconverted for 17-10 at the halftime break.
The half time talk was of reverting back to what had worked so well at the start of the game but unfortunately Goole were unable to find that form and the second half became a physical battle, both sides the throwing the kitchen sink at each other, but most of the play being in Knottingley territory, Rhys Moore added a well struck drop goal for 20-10 midway through the half. Shortly afterwards Goole had the chance to seal the win but after a great passage of play turned over the ball with the line at their mercy. More sustained Goole pressure in the final 5 minutes saw them manage to work the ball into space and Jamie Shand powered through again to claim his hat trick, the win and the bonus point 4th try of the match, converted by Rhys Moore for a final score of 27-10.
An excellent win on the road to avenge their narrow defeat in the home fixture earlier in the season, some towering performances in the face of a big aggressive side, the set piece was good, but allowing themselves to be drawn into their opponents preferred game will disappoint the squad somewhat, although their teamwork and spirit was never in question.
Saturday sees the firsts entertain Wensleydale at Westfield, the away fixture seeing Goole win by a single point, they will be looking to keep up the pressure on leaders Halifax Vandals, whom they trail by a single point. Kick off is at 3pm and all support is welcome.