First League Defeat for 1st XV as Ribb Take Spoils

Six games in, and at last a chink in Goole’s armour. The reason for their first league reversal of the season being firstly that they surrendered a lot of ball in the wet and windy conditions. Secondly, but importantly, they met a team who were very much a match for them. Young, fit and mobile, with a well organised rush defence, which meant that one side would have to give. Unfortunately for Goole it was to be them.
Goole started the game with yet another change to the front row, which would be a challenge to any team but in effect it didn’t really affect the scrum, which was an evenly matched part of the game, but it did play its part in the open play, particularly where passing the ball was concerned.
Goole kicked off with a strong breeze in their favour and within the first minute, had been awarded a penalty on the home ‘22’ but the kick went wide. From the re-start Ribblesdale pushed Goole back into their half with some strong running and excellent support play, plus quick ball, which resulted in a penalty of their own which was successful, to give them a 3-0 lead after 5 mins.
From the kick off Goole began to move the ball around, taking play back into the Ribblesdale half with good support play of their own and suddenly they had space on the left side, but unfortunately a poor pass went to ground and the home winger picked up to run 50 mtrs unchallenged, for a score by the posts, the conversion successful, to take a 10 nil lead on 10 mins.
Once again from the re-start Goole had the ball and pressurised the home side with their usual open attacking style. Eventually winger Binns made a diagonal run into midfield. The support was quick and accurate and following a strong surge to the home try line, the ball went to captain Moore, who slid in under the posts, soon to also add the conversion, reducing the deficit to 3 points.
Again, the re-start was secured by the receiving side, from which Ribblesdale began a period of sustained pressure to put Goole firmly on the back foot. Although Goole’s defence was doing sterling work, it was a strong run through mid-field, that saw Goole allow the home runner through the middle of their defensive line for a score under the posts increasing their lead to 17-7 on 23 mins.
The last 15 mins of the half found Goole defending in their own half, the last 5 mins being on their own line. But with the clock in injury time and Goole on the back foot on their own try line Shand received the ball to break to half way and pass to the supporting players. Full back Holt racing into the home 5 metre area, but being stopped short, when a pass may have been the better option.
HALF TIME 17-7
Now with the wind in their faces Goole were certainly expected to be firmly on the back foot, against a home side reputed to be extremely forceful in the second period, and they were.
For the first 5 mins of the second period Goole were camped in their own ‘22’, but eventually managed to push the home side back to half way. Unfortunately though, their defending in the middle of the park was again breached by the strong running home side for another score under the posts. Conversion added and the score increased to 24-7.
At this point Goole to introduced Tom Green and Connor Walker into the mix. This had an immediate effect on the Goole team. Strong running and solid commitment at the break down by both, began to get Goole back into the game. The next 20 mins saw Goole pressing hard and definitely back in the game. So it was no surprise on the 65th min, to see them force Ribb back into their own ‘22’ and Goole to surge to their line. Unfortunately, yet again, with the try line beckoning, Goole dropped the ball when it seemed easier to score. Undeterred Goole continued to press and on the 72 minutes got their reward for an unstinting period of play, heavily involving Green and Walker. From a ‘22’ re-start by Ribb, Walker caught the ball on half way to feed No 8 Taylor. He drove through the home defence, passed to Will Townend who then ran into the home ‘22’. Play went across field from left to right and Sam Smith obliged with the touch down.
Now at 24-12 it looked as though Goole were about to complete yet another last ditch victory, but try as they may, they couldn’t get by the organised Ribb defence. North Ribblesdale then looked to finish things off in the last play of the game, but with a massive overlap, they managed to drop the ball with the line begging, leaving the final score 24-12 in their favour.
In summing up, it was again Goole errors that added substantially to the result, but to be fair to Ribblesdale they are a well organised team, with a very attacking approach to their game, which I’m sure will provide another entertaining encounter when the visit Goole in January.
So, to the man of the match for Goole, for which there were 3 contenders. First Tom Green who looked quick sharp and determined in all he did, particularly getting Goole onto the front foot on numerous occasions. Connor Walker was, as ever, into everything, always there for the crucial tackle, as well as supporting attacking plays. If both had played the full 80 mins, it would have been an interesting call. However, Director of Rugby Greg Bone's choice was Neil Corry, the veteran front row forward, whose all round efforts in both the set piece and open play won him the honours.
Next week Goole host Roundhegians and it will be interesting to see how they respond, along with what the starting line up will be. Fingers crossed for a typical entertaining effort, with a positive outcome.