The Goole vs. Selby match is always looked forward to by the players, managers and supporters. The local derby offers the opportunity for local rivalries to be brought to the fore. With the previous season closing in a nail biting match which ended in a draw, it was clear that the new season offered the opportunity to finally establish the stronger team. Ironically one of the deciding factors in the Goole win was the strong match played by Cameron Dunford who played for Selby in the previous season. However regardless of this fact Goole played an exceptionally strong match which allowed Selby to show their defensive strength.

Selby opened the match with a precise kick to touch which immediately put them on the attack. Within 4 minutes the Goole try line was looking vulnerable. However with strong defending, Goole used the strength of their forwards to continuously drive back the Selby team. Using this strength, the Selby scrum was unable to own the ball and Goole used this to their advantage. Inevitably Selby was driven to their 10 yard line and after 10 minutes, Goole opened the score with a try close to the flag. At this distance the conversion was only narrowly missed. Goole now gained in confidence and within 5 minutes were almost on the Selby try line again thanks to a break away by Cameron Dunford which was only stopped by Ashley Parkinson pushing him into touch. However Selby’s tenacious approach allowed them to force an error on Goole which allowed them a penalty in front of the Goole posts. Unfortunately the ball was mistruck and went slightly wide of the posts.

The second half opened with Selby making a strong break for the Goole try line. However Goole continued to use their forward advantage to continue winning line outs and scrums. Selby was forced into a defending game and were only able to respond to Goole’s continuing attack. In amongst this the Selby team showed moments of genius with James Wright interpreting an opportunity to break out up the wing after a clever combination with Jason Parkash. Unfortunately the Goole defence managed to catch James and force him into touch. Selby now brought Matty Calvert and Kieran Ash off of the substitute bench. Matty released Charlie Cicero from outside centre to reinforce the scrum. This had an immediate effect of mitigating the issues in the forwards but still left Goole with a slight advantage in this area. This advantage was pushed home and 20 minutes into the second half Goole scored from a persistent attack on the Selby try line. Unfortunately a good conversion drifted and rebounded off of the posts, leaving the score at 10 – 0. 3 minutes later Goole returned using the same technique as before to close the scoring at 15-0. This score would have been higher if it had not been for a skilled clearance off of the Selby try line by Ashley Parkinson who made a break past the half way line.

The score line reflected the run of the game but did not properly reflect the skill of the Selby team. The strength of the Goole forwards ultimately won them the game. Their ability to repeatedly win line outs and scrums allowed them to grind forward and guaranteed the final score. The return match on the 22nd January is to be looked forwarded to.