A five-try bonus-point victory over Hullensians might suggest a comfortable afternoon for Goole, but anyone watching the match would know it was far from a straightforward performance. After an impressive, high-tempo first half, Goole delivered one of their poorest second-half displays for some time, allowing the visitors to score four relatively soft tries and turn the contest into an unexpectedly tense affair.
Goole fielded an almost full-strength side, including former Hull Ionians flanker and new signing James Malcolmson, against a Hullensians team that had been enduring a difficult run of form. Early signs pointed to a routine home win when Matty Backhouse crossed for a converted try after eight minutes, with Hullensians struggling to contain the direct running of Sam Smith and Declan Cook.
Although Goole’s line-out misfired throughout the half, Hullensians were largely unable to capitalise, rarely venturing into the Goole half. A second, unconverted close-range try from Will Devenish extended the lead to 12–0 midway through the half, with the visitors offering little attacking threat.
That changed suddenly when Hullensians broke through midfield defence, their centre strolling unchallenged to score under the posts for what was likely the simplest try he will register this season, cutting the gap to 12–7.
Goole responded well, regaining control and keeping the visitors pinned back. Will Townend powered over from close range after sustained pressure, and just before the interval Luke Cooper finished in the corner to secure the all-important bonus-point try. At halftime, Goole led 24–7 and appeared well set for a dominant second-half performance.
Instead, the second half began poorly. A loose kick handed possession to Hullensians’ dangerous winger, whose return sparked an attack that ended with a converted try to narrow the score to 24–12.
From that moment, Goole seemed to lose composure. Despite enjoying significant possession and territory, their play became increasingly frantic, with rushed passes, handling errors, and missed opportunities becoming the norm. On three occasions they were held up over the Hullensians try line, squandering clear scoring chances.
Relief finally arrived when Sam Smith broke through midfield before sending Aaron Jerry-Murray clear to score under the posts, stretching the lead to 31–12 with over 20 minutes remaining. However, rather than building on this, Goole continued to waste possession inside the red zone, failing to execute basic skills and allowing Hullensians to escape pressure far too easily.
Sloppy kicking again handed Hullensians field position, and they capitalised with a third try after cutting through hesitant defence. As Goole struggled to stem the flow of territory and momentum, a fourth Hullensians try with the final play of the game completed a disappointing second-half showing.
Despite enjoying the majority of possession and territory, Goole came away empty-handed from countless visits to the visitors’ 22. Hullensians, by contrast, made their opportunities count, scoring three tries from four second-half visits and deservedly claiming both a try bonus point and a losing bonus point.
There were few standout candidates for Goole’s Man of the Match, but Ollie Sugden earned the nod for his overall contribution. With no fixture next week, Goole will have time to reflect and address the many aspects of their game that failed to function after an otherwise encouraging first half.