Goole 38 Wath 37

Wath’s Woe

Wath were left devastated after a last minute conversion snatched a 38 – 37 win for Goole who had scored 19 unanswered points in the last 10 minutes.

Joe Earp had powered over to open the scoring after 5minutes of the game in which Wath had impressed with interplay between forwards and backs. Following a the conversion and a drop kick by Anthony Barratt, Wath led by 10 – 0. Goole hit back immediately with dexterity and power in the backs and scored a try under the post and cut the lead to 10- 7, with a simple kick.

A massive tackle in open play by Earp caused a turnover to Wath and quick ball to winger, Sam Holt, gave him the opportunity to exhibit his dynamic finishing ability as he crossed for a try. The conversion drifted just wide of the posts to leave Wath 15 – 7 ahead. A yellow card for handling in the ruck put Wath under pressure but they still managed a second drop kick by Barratt to increase their lead. However, a second yellow to Wath gave Goole the opportunity to take the lead 19 – 18 with their impressive stand off initiating slick back moves.

Back to full strength Wath regained control. Following a yellow card to Goole at a ruck near their own line, Wath wasted several chances to retake the lead before half time.

The introduction of Luke Stead after a long term injury, added size and skill to the Wath pack which began to dominate possession. A counter attack led by the dangerous Tom Quinn initiated quality interplay and a try for pedigree finisher, Steve Mason. Barratt again converted for the lead to change hands as Wath went 19 - 25 ahead. Joe Bartlett extended the advantage with a trademark, short range try and, despite a missed conversion, the away team went further ahead with a second try by Sam Holt as they continued to deprive Goole of any worthwhile-possession. The Barratt conversion made the score 19 – 37 and the home crowd were muted.

With the game well into the last quarter Wath hooker, James Thomson received a red card and the game turned on it’s head. Wath lost control of possession and Goole threw caution to the wind. Into the last 10 minutes the home side scored an unconverted try, quickly followed by a try which was converted to close the score to 31- 37.

From the restart confusion resulted with the home team being given a scrum on the half way line. Wath won the ball against the head but were unable to keep possession and, as the last play of the game unfolded, Goole, with new found belief, scored a try against the shell shocked Wath team.
With Goole 1 point behind on the scoreboard the crowd held their breath for the kick. The wild celebrations from home team players and spectators confirmed Wath’s fears as Goole had achieved the greatest comeback since Lazarus. Wath’s disappointment was tangible.

Steve Corns