Five Star Win for Firsts at Northallerton

Goole produced a five star performance at previous league leaders Northallerton to go top of Yorkshire Two for the first time for many years. They lead 0 – 26 at one stage and whilst Northallerton came back midway through the second half there was only one team going to win this thrilling encounter in conditions perfect for Goole’s high tempo style of play.

They started confidently after a Northallerton kick off, going through a number of phases in their own 22 before clearing their lines from a penalty. Both teams were testing each other out and the first period of the game was fairly evenly matched but contrasting tactics started to emerge. The Northallerton off-half generally opting to kick for position, whilst Goole went for ball in-hand with an eager number of receivers thundering into the home defence. With Danny Holt confidently dealing with any kicks it, was the forwards that started to dominate with a string of turn-overs as Goole’s back row started to come into their own.

As a result, Goole looked dangerous from all areas of the pitch whenever they had possession as the lively backs capitalised on the good ball, running deep into Northallerton territory. Following one such charge, a penalty resulted and a quick tap from Marwood exploited the scrambling defence and a sharp offload to Chantry to crash over for a 0 – 5 lead after 19 mins.

Goole then went through a spell playing open expansive rugby out of the top draw that would have had TV pundits in raptures as they capitalised on more turn-overs and fast hands. Jamie Shand who had just come on for the injured Lill found space, off-loaded to his brother Rob who when tackled had support from the forwards. Taylor finally crashing over for a second try converted by Moore 0 – 12.

Northallerton were now on the back foot as they found it difficult to make any ground in possession as a result of the intense pressure they were under in all aspects of the game. The Goole scum that has often been an area where they have struggled, looked strong, and have come into their own in the past few weeks. Walton was now on for Lamb and the new legs adding extra impetus to the forward drives with Goole running the ball at every opportunity from anywhere on the pitch.

All was looking good for Goole until the referee went down injured with a recurrence of a calf injury. The Goole supporters held their breath as they faced an abandoned game if he could not continue. Thankfully he did and got through to half time but not before Tom Green went through for another converted try to give Goole a half time lead of 0 – 19. This was possibly the best half of rugby Goole has played for many years and I am struggling to come up with a more structured, dynamic and confident display. They were superb, but the question was could it continue in the second half?

The answer came quickly and it was a very positive, yes, as they put Northallerton under such intense pressure from a line out on half way that Goole once again gained possession and Chantry ran through to score his second try converted by Moore after just 3 minutes, 0 – 26.

This put a temporary halt on any Northallerton revival as they battled to get into the game however they were helped when Walker was sin-binned for a fracas around the scrum as the game became very niggly. Whether this was a tactic to try and unsettle Goole is unclear but being down to 14 men Goole did lose momentum and although they did not concede any points in the ten minutes Walker was off the field, it give Northallerton the opportunity to throw the kitchen sink at the Goole defence in a desperate attempt to get on the scoreboard.

Jamie Lamb went off injured and Phil Jackson joined the action as Northallerton exerted more pressure and they were aided by Goole conceding their first penalties of the game to allow the home side to gain territory and kick for the corners. It looked as though Northallerton saw this as their best chance to get back into the game but were met with ferocious tackling that denied them time after time again just inches from the Goole try line. However the pressure told and they finally crossed the line out wide after 24 min of the second half, 5 – 26.

Now with a glimmer of hope, Northallerton gave everything as they had their best period of the match and were again aided by penalties conceded by Goole. Whilst they were still finding it difficult to make any headway in open play they had possession and that was the key as they managed to cross the line again with a converted try after 30 mins, 12 -26.

If the home side through that they had a chance of a miracle comeback they were mistaken as team captain, Rhys Moore laid down the law and the Goole players responded. They immediately took the game deep into Northallerton territory and were rewarded with a penalty that Moore kicked to stretch their lead to 12 – 29 with just a few minutes remaining.

Thankfully for Goole the referee managed to see the game through as he blew the final whistle to end a terrific game of rugby with the Northalleron supporters being very complimentary about the quality of the Goole play and the back row in particular.

This was a game where Goole took their overall performance to another level especially in the first half. There were no weaknesses as every player contributed to their best team performance of the season and those of you that have seen some of the games this season, you will appreciate the level they reached.

No man of the match this week as everyone made a superb contribution but special mention must again go to the back row of Walker, Chantry and Taylor. They were terrific and if there is a better back row in regional rugby, I would like to see them.