GOOLE U9s hosted Malton at Westfield Banks on Sunday in the tenth meeting already between the two sides this season.
Both coaches and players have got to know each other well and this showed in the early exchanges as both sides could not dominate in a full bloodied first 12 minutes.
This was as committed a phase of play at this level as you will see, all 18 players playing their part in a frantic opening period with defences on top.
A rarity this season but the game was scoreless after ten minutes as neither side had any time on the ball. However the trend continued as in recent weeks and Goole went behind, committing too many men to the ruck leaving the blind side open for Malton to exploit.
A quick team talk and out for 12 minutes of the same. However Goole could not respond and Malton went further ahead with another well taken try. Goole though dug deep and fought back well and although they scored 2 good tries, Malton finished the game the stronger with a further 2 scores for a 4-2 win.
Malton continued where they left off in the second game, overwhelming a poor Goole defence and the home side were always second best. They fought back well but could not stem the tide as Malton ran out 5-2 winners.
Overall, a slightly disappointing morning. The first 12 minutes was as good as Goole have played this season but too many players missed tackles at crucial moments to let Malton get on the front foot. The rucking side of the game also needs some work although this was much improved but much of what is done at training needs to be taken out onto the pitch on a Sunday. Teams are doing to the U9s now what they did to teams earlier in the season.
There were positives, again Indie Cooper was at every breakdown, Jordan Clayton was a constant threat and Joseph Grimbleby tackled well. Tom Chappell deservedly took the MOTM award again for a stand out performance but there are 15 players in the squad who should now step up to the mark.