1sts snatch victory from the jaws of defeat....again

Goole RUFC 1st XV 19 – 17 Wath upon Dearne RUFC 1st XV

It was somewhat of a case of déjà vu as Goole snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying minutes, a feat they also pulled off in the corresponding fixture the season before against the same opponents.
Poor weather conditions greeted the first home game of the season, the incessant rain of varying degrees of intensity made for a game littered with mistakes and more suited to the visitors style of play, with a much heavier side with a more direct style of play as opposed to Gooles’ preferred expansive style. It was the hosts whoever who got off to the best start with an early score through Will Townend whish was unconverted. Wath responded soon afterwards with a try of their own, well converted to lead 7-5. The visitors pack then took some measure of control and the conditions prevented Goole making much meaningful progress, but Gooles well organised and committed defence restricted Wath to a penalty goal for them to take a 10-5 lead into the half time interval.
Shortly after the restart Wath extended their lead with another powerful forward surge, a converted try saw them lead 17-5 with seemingly no way back for the hosts. With 10 minutes remaining Goole manged to release their backline and good handling in worsening conditions saw Jamie Shand score a try converted by Rhys Moore to close the gap to 17-12.
With the clock running down Goole threw the kitchen sink at the visitors and with 2 minutes remaining experienced veteran Steve Morris, exploited a weakness in the Wath defensive pattern to pick up and burst through the middle of the ruck and score a try without a hand being laid on him that levelled the scores at 17 all. Rhys Moore coolly slotted the conversion to seal another comeback from the dead win that is testament to the excellent fitness levels of the Goole squad as the hosts tired badly in the latter stages.
The disbelieving Wath side could not bring themselves to come into the bar after the game such was their disappointment at history repeating itself from the previous year, but the Goole contingent enjoyed their late win long into the evening.
Saturday sees Goole visit Doncaster outfit Wheatley Hills, kick off at 3.00pm