First defeat of Season for 1sts

Old Rishworthians 24 Keighley 20

A poor reward for a lot of endeavour, previously undefeated Keighley had to be satisfied with a losing bonus point when they could easily have won the game. The first half was an excellent contest between two well matched teams, both of which were intent on well constructed open rugby. Rishworthians with a talented outside half Rangi Kul moved the ball well, seeking out any Keighley weaknesses. An early drive down the middle from the forwards forced Keighley to narrow their defence giving solid full back Anthony Sellers the space to score in the corner, converted by Kul. Keighley managed to work their way downfield and gained a penalty. They chose not to kick for goal opting for a line out instead, their efforts were unrewarded. Once again the home team kicked their way out of danger, and moved play up field, earning a penalty in the process, sure footed Kul took the points. With their tails in the air and a ten point lead Rishworthisns became perhaps too adventurous in dangerous positions, a poor pass was picked off by Keighley winger Sam Blakeley who raced away to score in the corner, a little later Keighley’s Alex Brown closed the gap with a well struck penalty. Although both teams had periods of good field position and possession, Rishworthians always looked more dangerous, always prepared to move the point of contact. Eventually their slight of hand paid off, outside half Kul popping a short pass to wing forward Jacob Bower who raced away to score, Kul added the conversion.

In the second half Keighley looked a different team, their forwards, led by the back row were gaining dominance especially in the scrum. The extra intensity kept Rishworthians trapped in their half. However, the pressure was not turned into points, a number of try scoring opportunities went begging through lack of composure. With the forwards turning the screw, something had to give, Rishworthians forced to defend the midfield conceded space on the outside and a second try for winger Blakeley. The process was repeated a little later when winger Alan Ebbrell broke away to score, Brown added the conversion. Finally in the lead and dominating play Keighley made the mistake of run slow ball in midfield. The Rishworthian defence was on the front foot and a long pass was intercepted by their veteran winger Anthony Shoesmith who raced in under the posts, Kul added the valuable conversion. With time running out the Keighley forwards once again worked hard to gain field position. At a scrum near the opposition line they drove the scrum to what would have been a push over try. Unfortunately it disintegrated and a prop had to go off injured which meant uncontested scrums. Almost on the whistle Keighley gained a five metre line out, a poor misdirected throw was lost and the game was over. This was a game that Keighley could have, and should have won, unfortunately for them they literally threw it away.