GOOLE 27 BARNSLEY 66

Ten tries, nine from the backs, gave Barnsley a maximum 5 points at Goole.

The home side managed to score 4 tries to earn a bonus point, but they never looked likely to prevent another win for the strong Barnsley team. Iles began in the second row, with Wragg on the bench alongside Naisby and Peel, and it was from the kick off that Barnsley opened their account, when the in-form Jensen broke through to give Hinchcliffe a score under the posts. Dave Reed rampaged effectively all game, setting up tries for Francis, whose back-up running brought him the credit he deserves for a season-long performance of high quality. As Barnsley continued to score, so Goole threatened when they had possession in the Barnsley half, scoring four times through sheer grit and determination. It is hard to believe they are at the bottom of the table, though defensively in the second half they struggled to hold a rampant Barnsley.

Tries came from really good handling, passing and alignment among the backs, playing off a lot of possession, with an Appleyard hat-trick adding to a score by Iles – great handling and athleticism from the youngster – and a late score for Peel when he ran onto his own kick ahead and touched down. Scorah continued his scoring run with a fine finish, but the try of the game was a solo effort by Aaron Gaunt, who picked up a loose ball in his own half and swept his way on the outside of the Goole defence to score unopposed. His pace and power was a constant threat to Goole, and his new position of outside centre suits his style.

At times Barnsley defence was slack, which partly explains Goole’s four tries but the gap in experience and pace was always the difference. For Goole there were plucky displays from the scrum half and the back row, but the front row found Barnsley hard to manage. Joe South made considerable yardage, Jordan Wood rumbled forward to good effect and the back row was again outstanding, with veteran Robinson winning a lot of ball and making good ground into Goole defences. Casson’s line outs were almost perfect and Marlon Wragg caught everything thrown his way in the second half when he gave South a breather. Smith, Hobson and Naisby were dominant in scrums, and we should not overlook the excellent work of Buckingham at inside centre whose judgement is a key factor in the improvement among the backs. Finally, Jensen kicked his goals and when he left the field Appleyard continued to keep the score mounting.

A respite week next Saturday as we finally get to play Skipton in the Shield but all is building up nicely for the final home game of the season on 14th April when we entertain Yarnbury. Barnsley remain in pole position for promotion; a bonus win will see us promoted as champions! The biggest crowd of the season should be there to cheer the team to the title!