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Photos: TK Rohit
Goodricke snatched victory in the inaugural College Rugby Competition courtesy of a James Wood try with the last play of the game, as the Cup Final ended in dramatic fashion, as Goodricke sealed a 10-7 victory over Halifax.
In truth, both teams cancelled one another out for large periods, and sloppy handling was to the detriment of the game. Nevertheless at times there were true moments of skill, in a combative and competitive encounter, which rounded off a successful and enjoyable weekend of college rugby.
Goodricke enjoyed a perfect start, as with only two minutes on the clock they opened the scoring through an early Hugh Draycott try. Halifax lost possession inside their own half, as the ball was fumbled, and Draycott incisively seized the initiative, gathering the ball and surging 35 yards to score the first try.
That happened to be standout moment of what was an average first half. Halifax tried to respond immediately, and enjoyed a good period of possession, as they retained the ball through several phases. Indeed they managed to move play deep into the Goodricke 22, before finally being stopped on the opposition’s line, as play was held up, and Halifax’s claims for a try disallowed due to a double movement.
Indeed Halifax were enjoying the better of the game and more possession, but were hindered by poor handling, as several knock ons handed the initiative back to the men in green. The next big chance to score fell to Goodricke, as a powerful drive from a lineout just inside the Halifax 22, saw them rumble towards the try line, before being illegally halted. The resulting play from the penalty saw Goodricke once more threaten, but this time some super tackles prevented Goodricke adding to their earlier score.
The game was also marred by the constant loss of rugby balls, which disappeared into the long grass of the neighbouring field after being kicked out of touch. Despite both teams’ efforts the scoreline remained at 5-0 to Goodricke at half-time.
The second half, saw the intensity of the game step up a level, as Halifax immediately took the lead through a converted try, scored by captain Andy Cox, and converted by the excellent Ben Turner. In fact Turner stood out through the match, as one of the key performers, threatening with his probing runs, and passing the ball nicely. All of a sudden Halifax had turned the game around, and now led 7-5.
The pressure was now on Goodricke to respond, and they began to pile on the pressure, forcing Halifax to make more crucial challenges, but in the end the chance was wasted. Goodricke were then handed an opportune moment to retake the lead, when they were awarded a penalty on the edge of the Halifax 22. However Will Peters was unable to take the chance, as his kick flied wide of the goalposts.
As the game moved into its closing stages it seemed as if Halifax would hold out and claim a memorable victory, over a Goodricke side packed with university players. However it was not to be, as Goodricke’s pressure told. Deep inside the Halifax 22, they moved the ball out right well, exploiting the overlap, which resulted in Wood diving home to spark jubilant celebrations from the Goodricke players.
Peters was unable to convert the try, but it didn’t matter as the final whistle followed before there was time to restart the play, allowing Goodricke to claim a narrow 10-7 victory over Halifax.
Goodricke captain Smith commented: “Thanks to the university players for coming down and thanks to Sam Morrison for organising the tournament. I’m delighted with the win, and it was a good show of college talent in comparison to university lads”.
Halifax captain Cox reiterated Smith’s message stating: “The college players all did really well against their university players. Absolutely gutted to have lost, but I’m proud of the boys. We did brilliantly and gave Goodricke a run for their money, when we were expected to struggle in the tournament.”
Vision MOTM: Ben Turner