The Jim Saynor Ground was bathed in sunshine for this top of the table clash with Goole – the wind, however, had a significant influence on the game for both sides.
The home side conceded a simple try within the first 2 minutes, 0-5 seemingly Baxter’s men were not tuned into the game. With the wind at their backs Goole took control of both territory and possession. Will Milnes began a superb performance of committed tackling halting the Goole runners as they pushed forwards. Marcus Fotherby and Rhys Cory, playing in the centre, supported the defensive shift. But inevitably after 17 mins Goole created the smallest of spaces to score their second try, 0-10.
For the next 20 minutes The Pythons defence was superb. On offence Joe Rowntree marshalled his back line creating chances for Ben Pryor and returning James Audsley-Beck. Through mid field Harry Butler and Hugh Tatlow challenged the Goole defensive line but the score board remained 0-10, half time.
With the wind now behind them The Pythons gained some great territory. Marcel Kaminski supported by Joel Misseldine was held inches short. Goole held firm. Jordan Payne makes a superb tackle on the Goole number 8 . However, through some slick well rehearsed moves Goole run in 3 additional unconverted tries, 0-25.
Dylan Wepener on debut at full back worked well with winger Connor Spence creating opportunities but Goole closed gaps well. Finally, Milnes supported by Adam Button came metres short and set up a ruck. Freddie Abrahams brings in Kaminski to edge closer and that man Harry Butler forces over for the try. Rowntree adds the extras 7-25. Goole score the final try despite a late resurgence from The Pythons, 7-32 final score.
After the game DoR Tom Baxter said, “A frustrating weekend. We looked like a completely different side to the past two weeks. We spoke about our energy in defence and tempo in attack becoming part of our DNA but we never translated this to the pitch. There were many areas of our game that in recent weeks have been a particular strength but we just never got out of 1st gear this week.
On the plus side it was great to see Dylan Wepener make is debut for the club having joined this week and the return of Freddy Abraham back into the squad.
It’s really important we double down our efforts this week and make sure we are in a position to get our momentum back at that weekend, and ensure we produce a true Python’s performance”
Will Milnes was awarded The Whittaker’s Distillery man of the match by Simon Pratt for his ‘off the scale’ tackle count.
Next week The Pythons are at home again to bottom of the table Doncaster Phoenix, kick off 2pm.
