Second Half Comeback in Morley

After the cancellation of the game last week and the weather-related disruption to training sessions, it was not ideal preparations for a tough match against mid-table Morley in Goole’s first ever league fixture at Scatcherd Lane. Yet despite the circumstances, and dreadful weather conditions, Goole once again dug deep to overcome Morley’s 17 – 0 half time lead, to extend their winning run to six games and attain 3rd position in the league.
With a now familiar line-up requiring minimal changes, Goole were boosted by the return of Connor Walker to maintain the top-quality back row that have done such a great job throughout the season, with Ashton Neal again enhancing his growing reputation as the season progresses. Louis Greaves was back on the bench following the excellent contribution he made in the recent Selby game as he also continues his development into a first team front row player.
Goole were facing the wind and driving rain in the first half as both teams found it difficult to come to terms with the challenging conditions that did not support playing an expansive game. As a result, the game became one of restarts due to fumbles, knock-ons and kicks into touch, and with honours even at each restart, there was little excitement for the dry and snug spectators sheltered in the Morley stand. Goole once again rejected kick at goal opportunities in preference for kicking for attacking line outs that were always going to be tricky in the windy conditions. As a result, they came away with nothing as both teams effectively cancelled each other out in all aspects of play that was generally being played in mid-field. The first real stand-out individual contribution was from the Morley fullback who, after fielding a kick, slipped past the would-be tacklers deep in his own 22 to run well and then kick long for a line out 15m from the Goole try line. Good possession from the lineout and an effective drive getting Morley the first score of the game with a converted try after 24 mins. 7 – 0.
This score was quickly followed by a successful penalty from in front of the posts a couple of minutes later to extend the lead to 10 – 0. Goole were not playing particularly well at this stage of the game but received a boost when a Morley centre was sin-binned for a high tackle allowing Goole to kick into the Morley 22 for a line out that was quickly followed by put in at a scrum. With advantage being played and Goole eager to get a score on the board before half time, they threw the ball wide only for it to be intercepted by the Morley winger who went the full length of the pitch to score under the posts for the last action of the first half giving Morley a 17 – 0 lead.
After watching from the protection of the stand for the first half and then venturing out into the elements for the second half, you really appreciated the strength of the wind and the wet miserable conditions. It also made you wonder whether a 17 point lead would be enough for Morley? You did not have to wait long to get an answer as Goole started the 2nd half in dominant style winning the early collisions to score two tries within the first eight minutes. The first being scored by Rhys Moore after a quick tap penalty near the Morley try line and Moore getting his second try, again from close range after Goole’s initial surge towards the line was stopped by the hard-pressed home team defence. Moore added the conversions to each of his tries. With Goole now totally in control at this point in the match, the result looked ominous for Morley but to their credit they won possession and steadied the ship after a brief passage of play in the Goole half followed by a spell in mid field. Sugden and Greaves came off the bench as the time clock ticked on with Goole being unable to unlock the tightened Morley defensive line.
One could argue that Goole failed to use the advantage of the elements that were now well and truly in their favour, as they continued their individual ball carries into contact. The ball did on rare occasions find its way to the backs and wingers but if it did, it was counterproductive with no significant line breaks throughout the match. Despite the lull in scoring, it was always Goole that looked the most likely to score and they had the opportunity to level with a penalty in front of the posts some 25m from the Morley line, after 30 mins. Disappointingly the kick drifted wide of the posts but rather that the miss be seen as a negative, it had a positive effect on the team as they charged back into the Morley 22 through Jack Smith, ably supported by brother Sam, looking for that match winning score that finally came just minutes from the end of the match. Another yellow card for a Morley defender did not help their cause with Goole awarded a penalty near the home team try line and another chance to draw level with a successful kick. Not being satisfied with a draw, a quick tap penalty and offload to the charging Jack Smith resulted in the match winning try converted by Moore to give Goole the lead 17 – 21 with a couple of minutes left to play. Morley had one last rally but with no reward as Goole held firm to get the win.
The game was certainly not a classic, but both teams should be congratulated for giving the spectators a hard even well-fought contest in very challenging conditions. No single stand-out Man of the Match contender today with the backs doing what they needed to do, with the vast majority of the hard work done by the forwards. Jason Blanchard in particular coming of age at prop in what was probably his best performance to date in a Goole shirt.