Goole arrived with four wins from four, while Otliensians also had four victories. Goole held top spot because their try tally gave them a two-point advantage.

The East Yorkshire club has spent the past five years in either Yorkshire 1 or North East 2, and have often been labelled as the team to beat in the league.

Otliensians had not faced Goole since 2016, when the sides met twice in Yorkshire 3.

Only one score separated the matches, and Goole then moved into higher leagues.

The match was played in swirling wind and rain during Storm Boelo. Before kick-off, the teams held a minute silence for Otliensians winger Keith Butterill, who died aged 86.

Butterill played in the 1959 squad that won the shield and held the club's top try-scoring record for many years.

In the opening minutes, Luke Cowdell intercepted a wayward pass on the 22, but Goole stopped him on the 10-metre line.

The home side initially looked the more creative. From a line-out five metres from Goole's line, Otliensians won a penalty after Goole's backs were offside.

Jake Bentley took the three points, although a try might have changed the match.

Goole then applied pressure after the restart, rarely allowing Otliensians out of their own half.

The home side defended until Goole scored in the corner just before half-time. Goole led 5-3 at the break.

Goole's prop looks to get beyond Jack Smith, Sam Featherstone and George Martin (Image: Roy Appleyard)

The conditions made handling difficult and neither side found space for the attacking rugby supporters often see at Chaffers field.

Goole controlled the second half by denying Otliensians possession through repeated phases of pick-and-go rugby.

The visitors moved up field, forcing tackle after tackle. They scored another unconverted try and added two penalties.

The final score concluded at 16-3 in favour of the unbeaten visitors, in what proved to be a challenging afternoon for the hosts.

The whole Otliensians squad had to work hard, with Harry Wales in good form.

Captain Luke Exley again provided power, while Will Cooper in the backs met every challenge that came his way.

Otliensians' second XV produced a strong away win against York 2nds in similarly wet conditions.

They won 34-10, in what was one of their standout performances of the season.

Next week, Otliensians travel to Wortley to face West Leeds.  Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm.

Saturday's defeat leaves Otliensians with four wins and one loss from five league matches.

Goole's victory maintained their position at the top of the table, while Otliensians will seek a response at West Leeds.