Keighley vs Ilkley

Referee: Mark Luffman, U13s Coach, Ikley

Final score:
Keighley RUFC – 17 (3 tries/1 conversion)
Ilkley RUFC – 27 (5 tries/1 conversion)

The first match of the season for Keighley U13s was against Ilkley at Keighley RUFC and was treated as a training match, with huge support on the side-line for both teams. This was the first time both teams had played on a full sized pitch so stamina would be put to the test.

Keighley were the stronger side during the first half, Denon Sokee scored the first try for Keighley within 6 minutes. Both teams showed skill in tackling, scrums, rucks, line outs and ball control.

Ilkley made a great run for the Keighley try line but were stopped by a great tackle from Keighley, however, they soon won the ball back and Ilkley’s #13 scored their first try at 22 minutes.

Keighley suffered a couple of injuries and were substituted.

Ilkley’s #3 scored their next try at 32 minutes just before half time.

Ilkley came back in the second half the stronger team. Both teams seemed refreshed after the break and came back not prepared to give in to the opposition.

Both teams saw opportunities to break for the opposition’s try line but were stopped by some fantastic tackling.

Ilkley scored their 3rd try of the match 11 minutes into the second half and 3 minutes later Ilkley’s #13 scored their 4th try.

Just when it looked like Ilkley would dominate the second half, Keighley’s Jack Smith came back to score a 2nd try 26 minutes into the 2nd half and Gregor Curr managed to convert it.

This was quickly followed up 3 minutes later by Ilkley scoring their 5th try and conversion.

Keighley suffered further injuries and substitutes were made prior Keighley’s Jack Smith scoring a final try 3 minutes later.

As the game was drawing to a close Ilkley made one final play for the Keighley try line but were prevented from scoring any further tries before the whistle was blown signalling full time.