After a superb effort by Russ Abbott groundsman, Olly Ackroyd Coach, and Andy Mear Chairman, rugby was assured on the first team field at Woodhead. They spent several hours forking the pitch to ensure that there was no standing water and the game went ahead in difficult conditions following the latest deluge during the week.

Another large crowd turned out to see the current league leaders open brightly as both sides tried to play an expansive game in the breezy conditions. Goole playing down the slope and with the wind for assistance kicked deep into Brod’s territory from the kick off and set about pressurising the Brods however the home side displayed their defensive strength by rebuffing the initial onslaught and patiently building their game. After about 15 minutes play the Hipperholme boys started to expand their game and the first opportunity to score arose when Christian Georgiou threaded an excellent kick through the Goole defence. Ben Barron showed great pace on the right wing to hunt down the ball and with a kindly bounce finished the move with a try in the corner. Georgiou took the conversion from the touchline and against the wind converted to give Brods an early lead 7-0.

Brods were building momentum and following the restart Michael Briggs attracted several defenders on one of his bullocking runs in centre field. From the resulting ruck the ball was moved right and Matty Hoyle made good ground before releasing Ben Barron with a well timed pass and the young winger raced up the touchline for his second try within 5 minutes. Christian Georgiou repeated his earlier effort with another superb conversion from touch and Brods were taking control 14-0 after 20 minutes.

With Brods monopolising possession and territory Georgiou was enjoying good ball being provided by his forward pack and he took his own opportunity to step the defence, and race to the tryline for another excellent score. His own conversion stretched the score line to 21-0 and Brods had control of the game. The Woodhead boys were dominant now and clearly winning the collisions across the field. As half time approached Brods were awarded a penalty and took the option to kick to touch and take a lineout deep in Goole territory. A strong drive from the lineout took the home pack to within 10 metres of the Goole line and when the drive was disrupted the scrum was awarded to the home side. The Brods front five provided a solid base and the scrum was going forward when Cameron Wroot picked up from the base and drove to the try line on the blind side. The Goole defenders were unable to stop the young number 8 who crashed over the line and continues to produce high quality performances on a weekly basis.

With the half time score at 26-0 and a bonus point in the bag Brods would now have the benefit of the slope and the wind to their advantage however the visitors had other ideas and they threw everything they had at the home team forcing them to defend the line from a sustained onslaught. All credit however to the Brods defenders. Ben Hoyle led the pack in exemplary fashion and with Bob Sykes and Cam Wroot working overtime they kept the Goole attacks at bay.

Goole looked strong and well worth their top six position in the league however Brod’s success so far this season has been built on this resolute defence in which all the players contribute in a well-disciplined defensive pattern. Kyle Millward, Pete Williams and Ryan Harris were in the thick of it and eventually the Hipperholme boys turned over possession and worked their way downfield to relieve the pressure. By this time both sides were tiring and the pitch had deteriorated. The sticky mud was proving to be difficult to manoeuvre and the quality of the handling suffered as a result. Brods had one final opportunity as the final whistle was imminent and Matty Hoyle provided the chance when he found some firm ground and broke down the left wing. Hoyle drew his opposite number before putting Jason Dodd in the clear and the left winger made sure by outpacing the cover and rounding to touch down between the posts. Joe Kafatolu was given the opportunity to convert the try on his final game however unfortunately the young prop miscued his kick and the final score remained at 31-0.

Later in the club house Joe was thanked by the club president Bruce Turner for his outstanding efforts throughout the season both on and off the field and looked forward to his return hopefully next season.