Goole-ing for Otliensians as they miss out in close encounter

IT was clear from the early stages that this Yorkshire Three encounter would be close fought.

Each team played an attacking game and it was a surprise that it took 20 minutes for the deadlock to be broken.

The home side scored an unconverted try after a spell of pressure close to the visitors' line.

The lead proved to be short lived. Luke Cowdell broke from a scrum on the Goole 22 and scored under the posts. Kristian Keinhorst's conversion edged Otliensians ahead.

A second unconverted try and a penalty pushed Goole into a 13-7 lead and they extended that advantage with a further try just before half-time.

Otliensians were determined to hit back and made a strong start to the second half, scoring two tries in five minutes through Olly Eaves and Andy Murphy. Both resulted from excellent passing moves in which Cowdell featured.

Both tries were converted by the reliable boot of Keinhorst to push Otliensians ahead 21-18.

Play continued to switch from end to end, but it was Goole who came up with the winning try.

Otliensians exerted late pressure and had a chance to win the game when they were awarded a penalty. It was a difficult kick and was one that Keinhorst was unable to convert.