Minis enjoy end of season run

Published on 1st May 2008 in Sport

Goole RUFC Under 8s entertained Dinnington in their last home match of the season.

With three trophies in the bag, Goole went about their business in destructive fashion for the opening two games.

The first game was evenly contested in the first half as both teams expressed themselves converting decent scores as Goole took a slender 3-2 lead.

Goole played attractive rugby, passing through their opponents with Harvey Blyth in particular good form and Jack Hancock was on hand with some excellent support play.

As always, Lawrence Marwood was strong in defence alongside Robson Jones who was a constant threat going forward.

The second period saw Goole come to life as Josh Smith scored two tries with great support from George Ounsley who too scored.

The game was well over as the team stamped their authority, as Dinnington struggled to breach a solid defence with Mason Kirby tagging effectively.

The game finished 8-3, with scores coming from Jack Hancock, Lawrence and Oliver Rayner.

The second game, though dominated by Goole, was great experience for both Laura Shand and Jazz Brigham, who were given plenty of opportunities to show off their skills. The girls played some good rugby and at times put the senior players to shame with some quick passing which opened the flanks for the counter attacks.

Laura had a great run which almost brought her a try, but great credit to both girls who have made great improvement.

In the end, Goole were too strong for Dinnington as they ended the second game 3-1 winners. Harvey Blyth, Robson Jones and Ewan Derby all scored. The score may well have been more had Mason not dived over for a dis-allowed try.

The final match was made more difficult for Goole with the coaches demanding that the team had to put together no less than six passes before scoring.

They took this onboard as the team played fantastic passing rugby. Ewan Derby was inspirational scoring twice and was involved in all the main moves.

However, Dinnington started to play some good rugby themselves as they capitalised on loose passes from Goole, the score was 3-2 to Dinnington

The second period saw Dinnington punish Goole at the restart, waltzing through the defence with little resistance. With the game slipping away, Goole got back on track with Jack Hancock weaving his way for a try and Josh Smith added to the scoring in a well-worked team try.

In the end Goole lost 6-5, but how fitting it was that at the end of this wonderful season, three boys, Robson, Josh and George each had scored 51 tries this season, until George had the last say in the final move of the game to finish top gun.

But these boys could not do it without the outstanding efforts from all their team members. Congratulations all boys and girls for your incredible season.

Under 9s

Goole U9s ended the season with a dominant performance against South Yorkshire outfit Dinnington, treating their supporters to 20 tries over two games to round off an what has been an excellent first foray into contact rugby.

It seems an age ago that Goole hit the ground running back in September, maintaining a rich vein of form up to Christmas and into the new year. They hit a mini slump in February but regrouped and have played some of their best rugby in the last few weeks.

In truth Dinnington were dispatched with ease, not able to cope with Goole's power up the middle and pace out wide as all the squad contributed to a good morning's workout. Goole's only glitch was a solo try from the visitors early in game one, but it was one-way traffic after that.

Jordan Clayton led the charge with give tries, all long range efforts. He has been in good form all season not only in attack but has been Goole's last line of defence on many occasions. Kaylum Snape added a hattrick to his season's tally, the visitors unable to live with his pace and footwork and he has added physicality to his game that make him a handful.

Tom Chappell had another standout game helping himself to four tries, always in the thick of the action setting up a number of opportunities for other players. He was well supported as ever by Indie Cooper, who has caused problems for defenders all season with his size and strength. He has proved a sound tackler and with a good turn of pace has scored a number of tries this season from long range.

Also back in the thick of the action was Cal Bailey, back to his foraging best after an injury mid season and he helped himself to a well taken try.

The three new players who have all joined the squad this season have all made a seamless transition into the team. Sam Harrison has gone from strength to strength, strong in the tackle, quick going forward and with two tries, knows where the line is. Jack Smith also went over for one but his tackling and ability to knock people over will stand the team in good stead next season.

Although not getting on the score sheet, Aaron Stow has shown his strength and power going forward and will improve further over the summer and into next season.

Alex Head had his best game of the season, full of confident running, adding his name to the list of scores following a move the length of the field.

James Burton and David Tinsdale both had good games in the tight and can now kick on and use their height and strength to more dominant effect in the contact area going into next season.

Joseph Grimbleby has been Goole's best support player this season, always offering himself to take the ball over the gain line and his rucking against Dinnington showed the forwards the way. His defence has improved and there are not many players who go through him.

Finally, to the powerhouses of the team. Kelan Turner and Harry Patrick have shared the hooking duties this season and have improved both their attack and defence.

Harry in particular had his best game of the season, setting up a number of attacks for the team and also being unlucky to score after several strong runs and he was deservedly awarded the Man of the Match award for his efforts.