Leos Too Strong for 1st XV

Two consecutive defeats for Goole, and their 2nd home loss of the season provides for a very interesting run in as the sharp end to the season progresses.
For the record, form team Leos look like real contenders for promotion and were the better team on the day. However, the fact that Goole had a larger percentage of territory, coupled with several opportunities to score should not be ignored. The real damage being done in the first quarter of the game, which saw the visitors score 2 converted tries, both coming within 12 mins of the K.O.
The first try came via Goole ignoring the wind advantage and instead trying to play their way out of their ‘22’. The second score coming from an interception of a Goole pass when the Leos try line was beckoning, the Leo's player running 95 mtrs to score under Goole’s posts. What should have been 7-7 had become 0-14. The third score came after 24 mins, this time from Goole being penalised for obstruction, with the visitors quick to take advantage, opting for a kick at goal which was successful. Taking the visitors into a 17-nil lead.
33 mins and yet again more pain for Goole when, on their own 10 mtr line, they managed to lose the ball resulting in the Leo's Stand off picking up to run unchallenged to the Goole posts for another 7 pointer.
At no time during the first half did Goole come to terms with the lack of support at the breakdown. Continually under pressure, with at least 4 balls being counter rucked by the opposition. The only conciliation coming on 39 mins when captain Moore converted a penalty to get them on the scoreboard
HALF TIME 3-24
Whatever the discussion was at the break it created a situation where Goole dominated territory throughout the half and created two tries. One on 67 mins courtesy of James Walton, who barged his way over following a concerted period of Goole play, Moore adding the conversion to bring Goole back to 10-24. Then on the 80th min and again coming as the result of concerted pressure, Matt Lill went over by the posts for Moore again to convert. Moore also successful with a penalty in between the scores. All effort went in an attempt to get at least a bonus point from the game. Unfortunately for Goole Leos, although under a lot of pressure, were strong enough to build on their half time tally, with 2 penalties, to leave the final score at 17-30.
Was it a bad display for Goole? Not really. It was more a good display from a very capable Leos side, along with an off day by some of the Goole squad, where what they tried either resulted in a mistake, or was snuffed out by the visitor’s strength, fitness and organisation.
What did stand out was yet another strong display by No8 Taylor, who never stopped taking the game to the opposition. His all-round display earning him the MOM award, which I ‘m sure he would have swapped for a win. Will Devenish coming on in the 2nd half also got the side moving forward, throughout the second period he looked to move Goole forward and did contribute a lot to Goole’s dominance of territory.
So to next week and a hard-away game against Wath. The positives being that the likes of Chantry and Walker should be available, as I am sure will others. Plus, Goole are not a team to back away from a challenge, nor will they be wanting a third consecutive defeat on record. If they learn their lessons from this game, then they can travel to Wath in a positive mood. Can Greg Bone motivate and organise them to the degree that we see the Goole we all know and love? Let’s hope he can.

Dave Rose