Close game in defeat

Published on 25th October 2007 in Sport

Pocklington U15s 12

Goole U15s 10

Goole travelled to Pocklington last Sunday to take on a team that delivered them a drubbing last season. It is a sign of their increasing confidence that in the end they came away with a narrow defeat that could quite easily have gone their way had Moore been successful with his two shots at conversions.

With a couple of regulars away on holiday, Goole were still able to field a strong team and things started off well following a good kick-off. Early rucking by the keen forwards and a good kick chase through by Leake put them well down in the home sides half. However, a couple of silly penalties gave Pock a chance to clear their lines.

Pock were causing Goole problems at the line-out as their forwards were able to get through to put pressure on the visitors' half-backs. It was from this kind of pressure that Goole lost more ground and conceded another penalty. This was taken quickly and moved through the backs to create space out wide for the winger to score and give the home side the lead.

Undeterred, Goole came back on the attack and played some of their best rugby. A great break by scrum-half Betteridge saw him make a good thirty yards before he was tackled, and then it was the turn of centre Kirk to take the play to Pock, making good ground and forcing desperate defence from the home side. The forwards kept the pressure on and only good defence again prevented Thornhill from making a try-scoring debut for the season.

Against the run of play and in the dying seconds of the half, Pocklington managed to get into Goole territory and good handling again by their three-quarters saw them score a try near the posts. With the try converted, Goole found themselves 12-0 down, having had the better of the play.

Pock came out strong at the start of the second half and only good defence from Goole in the shape of Cunningham, Newsome and Green kept them from scoring, which was helped by good runs out of defence by Binnington and Dalton. Another excellent break by Betteridge saw him clear up to the half-way line and with Pock stretched he was able to find Binns, who sped away for well-deserved try near the corner.

Goole were now camped in the Pock '22' and were determined to have the next score. However, time was running out and they needed it quickly. A great charge down saw the Goole forwards pounce on the ball and drive towards the line, and in the melee that followed it was difficult to see who got the final touch down.

Moore had a chance to bring the scores level with the conversion but it fell just short and the final whistle left Pock relived, and Goole somewhat frustrated.

Another good performance all round from Goole, who have show a lot better form against two teams to whom they lost heavily last year. The forwards look hungry and the back dangerous if they get enough ball to work with.

Difficult again to single out one individual, with a number of notable performances. In the forwards Green, Thornhill and James Cunningham caught the eye, with Betteridge, Kirk and Binns likewise in the backs. However, Newsome in the back row took the man of the match award for his all round play and showing a 'bit of an edge' about his defensive play.