GOOLE VIKINGS 50 KEIGHLEY COUGARS 16
LEX WORMALD, Victoria Pleasure Grounds, Saturday

YOUNG Flynn Holden shone on his return to Goole as the Vikings earned only their fourth league win of the season in style.

After making two appearances on loan from Warrington in April, Holden signed for Hull KR earlier this month.

The fullback was part of a healthy Robins contingent – also including Jack Charles, Harvey Horne and Cobie Wainhouse – who gave Goole a welcome boost.

The Vikings dominated the opening stages of the contest as their powerful attack and strong defensive efforts immediately put Keighley under pressure.

It was Horne who opened the scoring, showcasing his outstanding pace to go the full length of the pitch.

Then a Keighley error allowed Holden to gain possession and demonstrate his own pace as he went and scored another impressive long-range try for the Vikings.

Brett Ferres was a key figure for Goole throughout the first half and he used his experience to influence the game. He also had a few exchanges with fellow veteran George Flanagan which added more intensity to the first half.

Another old stager, Liam Watts, caused many problems for the Cougars and he powered over the line from close range for Goole’s third try of the game.

Keighley’s Lachlan Lanskey tested the Vikings’ defensive line and Marcus Green produced strong post-contact metres, but were unable to find a breakthrough.

The Cougars struggled to contain Goole’s attack as Watts crossed for his second try of the afternoon, his experince and power proving too great.

However, Keighley responded well before half-time with a well-weighted kick from Matty Beharrell which sent Max Clarke over.

And Clarke went back-to-back after Flanagan organised a set play that allowed the centre to cross for his second try, making it 24-10 at the break.

Keighley looked to start the second half well as a penalty was awarded and it let Beharrell gain momentum, but David Foggin Johnston’s kick went over the dead-ball line and the chance went begging.

Goole quickly regained control and continued their attacking dominance as Cooper Howlett crossed the line to extend their lead to 18 points.

The hosts kept this intensity up after the restart and Connor Barley powered over the line moments after to add his name to the scoresheet.

Goole’s attacking strength continued to shine as Ferres produced another powerful run before offloading to Lennon Clark, a loanee from Hull FC, who carried three defenders with him as he forced his way over the line.

Another quick-fire attacking set saw the Vikings over the line as Horne grabbed his second of the afternoon with a slick dive in the corner.

Despite the scoreline, Keighley continued to battle until the final stages and Connor Sayner crossed the line with just five minutes remaining to score their third and final try.

However, Goole responded immediately as Jack Charles added a late try and Jack Miller kicked his seventh goal to bring up the half-century.

GAMESTAR: Loanee Flynn Holden’s pace set the tempo for Goole and was crucial in this win.

GAMEBREAKER: Cooper Howlett’s early second-half try sealed the deal for the Vikings.

MATCHFACTS

VIKINGS
33 Flynn Holden
39 Harvey Horne
3 Cooper Howlett
1 Josh Guzdek
18 Connor Barley
42 Jack Charles
7 Jack Miller
30 Liam Watts
9 Jeylan Hodgson
10 Tyler Craig
11 Brett Ferres
43 Lennon Clark
13 Harry Aldous
Subs (all used)
6 Mackenzie Harman
25 Brad Bullock
41 Tyler Walton
44 Cobie Wainhouse

Tries: Horne (8, 70), Holden (11), Watts (15, 24), Howlett (46), Barley (54), Clark (67), Charles (78)
Goals: Miller 7/9

COUGARS
1 Connor Sayner
2 Brad Holroyd
37 Josh Cartwright
4 Max Clarke
19 David Foggin-Johnston
13 Aaron Brown
7 Matty Beharrell
10 Jack Teanby
9 Oli Burton
17 Jordan Schofield
38 Jonny Vaughan
12 Lachlan Lanskey
8 Dan Parker
Subs (all used)
14 George Flanagan
21 Alfie Dean
26 Nathan Rushworth
39 Marcus Green

Tries: Clarke (28, 31), Sayner (75)
Goals: Beharrell 2/3

SCORING SEQUENCE: 6-0, 12-0, 18-0, 24-0, 24-4, 24-10; 28-10, 32-10, 38-10, 44-10, 44-16, 50-16

Rugby Leaguer & League Express Men of the Match
Vikings: Flynn Holden; Cougars: Max Clarke

Penalty count: 6-7
Half-time: 24-10
Referee: Freddie Lincoln