Goole faced their fourth major cup tie in three weeks as they entertained Malton & Norton in the semi-final of much criticised Papa John Community Cup Competition. This encounter doing nothing to prevent additional criticism as the Papa John Panto Season continued following a comedy conclusion to this physical encounter, with the match officials being apparently uncertain of how to deal with the scores being tied at the end of 80 minutes and then extra time. The tie was eventually awarded to Malton as the away team, after countless mobile phones searched for an internet connection to look-up the competition rules. The rumour amongst the watching spectators however was that “Rock, Paper, Scissors” was used to decide the outcome due to the uncertainty of how the penalty kick process worked. So, it is Malton that will be representing Yorkshire in the final next Saturday, and we wish them all the very best and hope that they can overcome their Midlands opponents Lutterworth to continue Yorkshire’s success in the Regional and National Cup Competitions.
But what about the game? Well, it was not a free-flowing classic, but it certainly lived up to expectations as being a tight competitive affair that matched the previous two encounters this season. It was Goole that took the lead after 10 mins with a try after Malton had a spell of early pressure. The 7 – 0 lead coming from Goole’s first visit into the Malton 22 following an excellent 50/22 kick from Rhys Moore, with Moore himself going over for the try as he picked up a recycled ball close to the Malton line. Once again, the scrums and lineouts were not going well with Goole also finding it difficult to make any significant progress against the robust Malton tackling. Malton did have numerous visits to the Goole 22 but were unable to come away with any points and it was Goole that got the next score with possession from a line out in the Malton half following a high tackle on Ashton Neal that could have resulted in a red card for the Malton defender but was deemed to be a yellow after consultations between the officials. Possession from the resulting penalty getting Goole close to the Malton try line with Charlie Walton using his strength to power over for Goole’s second try to give them a 12 – 0 half time lead.
Half time changes for Goole, and with a light breeze at their backs the home supporters were expecting Goole to kick long and tackle Malton out of the game in midfield but that did not happen as Malton gained the upper hand to score an early close range try under the posts after multiple phases. 12 – 7, and with Goole also losing their Captain, Rhys Moore with what turned out to be a broken leg, things were very much against them. Danny Holt stepped into the scrum half position and Oscar Sugden came on to fill the unfamiliar position of fullback along with other changes. It therefore came as a very welcomed surprise to the home team supporters when Goole extended their lead, against the run of play, when Jack Smith gained possession on halfway and handed off two or three would-be tacklers to touch down for a converted try and stretch Goole’s lead to 19 – 7 mid-way through the half despite playing somewhat below par. The hope that this score would get Goole back on the front foot was short-lived as Malton re-established the pressure with Goole contining to concede penalties on a regular basis in all aspects of play as the game became very scrappy. A second converted try for Malton made the score 19 – 14 as the game entered its final stages with Goole very firmly on the back foot and fighting to hold on to their slender lead. A clearance kick direct into touch was the last thing they needed as it gave Malton possession once again in the Goole half defending as the heavy Malton ball carriers changed into contact. It was now getting frantic and following a yellow card for Goole’s Will Townend, Malton went over for a third try to bring the scores level at 19 – 19 and with the conversion being missed as the clock went red, it was extra time.
At the restart it was Malton that re-established control pushing Goole back to defend their line with everything they could after being penalised frequently at the breakdown and at scrums. As a result, it did not take Malton long to score after keeping the ball alive in the backs they scored a good try with the winger beating two tacklers on his way to score under the posts and give Malton a 19 – 26 lead. With possession from the second period of added time kick off and a series of strong carries by Charlie Walton and Will Townend getting Goole well and truly back in the game as they pushed Malton into their own half. Goole were now looking threatening. With the last play of the match the ball found its way to Tom Holt in mid field who kicked a perfect little punt out to Billy Walker out wide to catch and go over for the try. Holt’s excellent conversion being the last kick of the extra time to bring the match to an end 26 – 26 and now questions were being asked about what happens next?
After the official’s decision, the post-match debate started with no one being 100% sure about what was the correct outcome. Whilst both clubs accepted the decision, many were still wondering whether a penalty kicking decider should have taken place. The only thing that was missing was the pantomime horse. Regarding Goole’s performance, they were certainly below their normal standard after the recent run of tough cup games, but it was probably the penalty count that prevented them from getting into any rhythm. The loss of their Captain Rhys Moore was also a key factor, and he will be missed in the Yorkshire Cup Final against Driffield, but at least the lads can now look forward to a short non-playing break to recharge their batteries.