Goole began against Pocklington who have improved significantly this season and pushed Goole hard on their last meeting. Goole began the scoring with a well worked try by Thomas Franks, but that score was immediately cancelled out by Pocklington as they levelled after the restart. Goole began to gain the upper hand in the latter stages of the first half by tackling well and forcing Pocklington to make mistakes in the blustery conditions. Goole took a two try lead just before half time with tries from Ashton Neal and Ben Cooper, but Pocklington responded well and scored in the corner to make the score 15-10 at half time. Goole had the best of the conditions in the second half and with the wind behind them they continued to play open and expansive rugby. An excellent run from Archie Burton from his own half gave him a try which gave Goole a 20-10 lead with 5 minutes remaining and Ethan Grimbleby finished things off in the last minute by driving over the line after a good pass from Thomas Goodhall to make the score 25-10.

Goole U9 30 – 20

Goole’s second match against Driffield was a little more open and each team had their opportunities to win. Both teams tackled well and made the other team move the ball through the hands in order to score their points. Ethan Grimbleby was one player in particular that stood out and he won a well-deserved player of the day award. He scored a try in each match and his all-round game was exemplary, which brought its rewards to him. Driffield played very well in this match and they made Goole work very hard for the win. Goole’s superior support play and strong running stood out and gave them the edge against a well drilled Driffield team. Billy and Robbie Vagg should be commended for their excellent overall improved play. They have now shown signs that they are well capable of turning in a performance for the team, which the coaches will be looking for each week. Goole finally won the match by 30 points to 20, but Driffield had their chances and could have easily pushed Goole closer.

The attitude of all the kids should be commended on a day when the wind threatened to spoil the day of rugby. After two matches per team the kids still wanted to play a third match and this was very pleasing for the coaching staff at all three clubs. Goole now begin the festival season and travel to Sandal on Sunday in the first of possibly five festivals. Again, Goole would like to thank Goole Sports Therapy and Saftrans LTD for their continued support.