This return fixture delivered the fiercely competitive encounter many expected, as Goole suffered a second narrow two-point defeat against top-of-the-table Dinnington — this time in heartbreaking fashion during the dying minutes.
With Dinnington coming off their first league loss in almost 18 months, they were determined to return to winning ways. Meanwhile, Goole were equally motivated to avenge their narrow 40–38 defeat in the away fixture. Goole named a strong starting XV, and it showed early on as Andy Barrass opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty to give the hosts a 3–0 lead.
Goole soon extended their advantage with an outstanding try after stealing possession at a Dinnington lineout just outside the Goole 22. A powerful carry from Charlie Walton set the platform before slick backline handling sent Aaron Jerry-Murray over, with Barrass converting for a 10–0 lead.
Momentum continued as James Chantry reclaimed the kickoff and Dinnington were penalised, allowing Goole to gain territory. From the resulting attack, Declan Cook burst through the defensive line before offloading to Sam Smith, who finished under the posts. Barrass again added the extras to make it 17–0.
At this stage, Goole were dominant across the park, while Dinnington struggled to find rhythm. However, the visitors gradually asserted their quality, forcing handling errors and winning penalties to build pressure inside the Goole 22. A well-executed tap-penalty move resulted in a converted try, giving Dinnington a foothold in the game with ten minutes remaining in the half.
Dinnington finished the first half on top as Goole conceded further penalties, but the defence held firm to preserve a 17–7 halftime lead.
Goole began the second half in emphatic fashion. Charlie Walton carried strongly into opposition territory before Sam Smith powered through a cluster of defenders to claim his second try of the match under the posts. Barrass converted to stretch the lead to 24–7 just six minutes after the restart.
Dinnington then produced a relentless 15-minute spell of pressure, with their heavyweight forwards repeatedly crossing the gain line. Three converted tries followed as Goole struggled to retain possession under intense tackling and conceded penalties that allowed Dinnington to camp inside the Goole 22. The visitors moved into a 28–24 lead as momentum swung decisively.
Refusing to fade, Goole responded with a superb backs move, creating an overlap that allowed Matty Backhouse to score and reclaim the lead at 29–28. Barrass narrowly missed a difficult conversion, leaving the margin precariously thin heading into the final minutes.
With Goole containing Dinnington’s backline threats, the closing stages became a territorial battle. As Goole attempted to see out the match, Dinnington resorted to kick-and-chase tactics. A penalty conceded in midfield — compounded by an additional 10 metres — gave the Dinnington fly-half a long-range opportunity. With the breeze at his back and a perfect kicking record, he made no mistake, slotting the decisive penalty to put Dinnington ahead 31–29 with just two minutes remaining.
Goole were handed a late lifeline when Dinnington conceded a penalty outside kicking range, but a lost lineout ended hopes of a dramatic finish. The visitors cleared to touch to seal a dramatic victory.
It marked Goole’s fourth losing bonus point, leaving a sense of frustration after such a strong performance. Many in the clubhouse felt this was a match Goole could — and perhaps should — have won. The effort, commitment, and attacking quality were evident throughout, but turning narrow defeats into wins remains the challenge.
James Chantry again delivered a standout performance, but Man of the Match honours went to Sam Smith for his two tries and tireless, aggressive contribution.