Goole secured a bonus-point home victory over a competitive Hullensians side, pulling clear with three converted tries in the final quarter. Errors and penalties disrupted the flow for much of the afternoon, and the visitors closed to within seven points midway through the second half before Goole took control.

Charlie Walton returned as captain to partner Eddie Newsum in the second row, while an injury to Jack Smith gave Sam Thurlow an opportunity at flanker. Thurlow made an early impression with a series of strong tackles. With Quin Leggott making his debut in the front row and fellow newcomer Charlie Kirk starting at scrum-half, Goole looked the stronger side in the opening exchanges.

The breakthrough came after 15 minutes when Aaron Jerry-Murray crossed in the corner for an unconverted try. Goole threatened to extend their 5–0 lead when James Malcolmson was tackled just short, but he knocked on as he stretched for the line.

Replacements Ollie Pearson, James Walton and James Chantry were soon involved, and Goole added a second score in the final minute of the half. Declan Cook was illegally brought down short of the line, prompting the referee to award a penalty try and show the Hullensians defender a harsh yellow card. The hosts went into the break 12–0 ahead.

To Hullensians’ credit, they had the better of the opening 20 minutes of the second half despite restarting a player down. Goole struggled to retain possession and repeatedly conceded penalties, allowing the visitors to build pressure.

Goole’s defence initially held firm against a series of close-range catch-and-drive attacks, but Sam Smith was shown a yellow card during the sustained pressure. Hullensians eventually crossed for an unconverted try to narrow the gap to 12–5 midway through the half. Aaron Jerry-Murray was also yellow-carded, adding to Goole’s difficulties.

The hosts finally found their rhythm in the final quarter. A spell of sustained possession ended with Cook powering over from close range beneath the posts. The conversion stretched the lead to 19–5 and gave Goole breathing space.

With Hullensians beginning to tire and their lineout faltering, Goole made the most of their opportunities. Malcolmson charged through the defensive line for the bonus-point try. Then, with the final play, Will Townend broke through and found Danny Holt on his shoulder to complete the scoring. Both tries were converted to seal a 33–5 victory.

The final margin was a tough return for Hullensians’ efforts, particularly during their strong spell after half-time. Goole’s scrum dominance and work at the breakdown provided a platform for victory, but they will want to make better use of their possession and reduce the errors and penalties that prevented them from settling earlier.

Cook was named man of the match for his powerful ball-carrying and second-half try, while several teammates showed encouraging glimpses of what this side can offer.

Goole travel to Keighley on Saturday 3 October for a 2pm kick-off on the artificial pitch. A more consistent performance will be needed for that challenge, but there is plenty of talent in the squad and scope for improvement as the team settles into the season.