Keighley gain good win at Wetherby

Wetherby 11 Keighley 14

A fine away win for Keighley. In the baking heat they withstood a stern test from a strong Wetherby side. A penalty from Alex Brown for a high tackle calmed early nerves. This game was always going to be hard work given the conditions and the home teams muscular, forward orientated approach. However Keighley’s back row of captain Tom Whyte ably supported by Jake Parkinson and Olly Snowden were superb both in attack and defence. After a period of mid field attrition Wetherby gained possession from a line out, after a series of solid forward drives they crossed to score, converted by full back Yates. Keighley with their forwards gaining parity tried to move the ball wide as often as they could, Whilst Wetherby were more intent on taking the ball up the middle. Strong defence from both teams was the dominant factor. A well constructed Keighley move was broken down due to offside which resulted with a further penalty for Alex Brown. Just before half time some fine work from a scrum gave fullback Alfie Seeley chance to join the line and pop a neat pass to Jack Atkinson who did well to score wide out. In the second half Keighley started well but whatever they tried broke down on a solid wall of defence. At this stage of the game the heat was taking its toll, although both teams tried their best to play open rugby mistakes were being made which led to a long period of mid field stalemate. Eventually Wetherby chasing the game rallied and forced a penalty that full back Yates converted. As the final whistle approached with a single point the difference in the score line both teams tried their best to gain a result. Once again excellent defence from Keighley weathered a series of attacks from Wetherby. A late rally from Keighley into the opposition half gained another penalty for Brown. Realising that they needed a try to win Wetherby threw everything they had at Keighley, but once again showing great resolve Keighley held out. Gaining possession in the last minutes Keighley wisely kept the ball in the forwards and ran the clock down to the final whistle. This game was never a game for the purists, the result could have gone either way. It was a war of attrition that tested the new tackle laws to the full, a game that clearly showed Keighley’s spirit and shear resolve that in the end made the victory possible. Next week a welcome home game against Leodensians.