Keighley gain their 6th win in Counites 1 Yorkshire

Keighley 21 Pocklington 6
By Sam Griffin
Keighley put last weeks loss against Bradford Salem behind them with a workman like performance against a resilient Pocklington. The home side started well, within minutes, lovely hands across the backs found centre Alfie Seeley in space, a quick pass outside and winger Sam Blakeley was over, unfortunately there had been a foot in touch. Keighley maintained the pressure but were unable to turn the pressure into points, the Pocklington defence absorbed everything thrown at them. Slowly but surely Pocklington fought their way back into the game and always looked capable of scoring especially when powerful full back Christian Pollock joined the attack. Their enterprise and hard work was rewarded with a successful long range penalty from fullback Pollock. A little later a speculative kick from Alex Brown was mishandled, the ball ending up with Alfie Seeley who sprinted hard before flicking the ball inside to Sam Blakeley who scored, Alex Brown added the conversion. Keighley began to dominate possession which led to a long range penalty for Brown. Although Keighley pressured and moved the ball well it was too often slowed down at source which made it difficult to breakdown a well organised defence. A late period of pressure took Keighley deep into Pocklington territory, possession was driven hard by the forwards and finished off by second row Ed Keighley who scored in the corner. Pocklington raised their game, with their backline going well they gained good ground and a further penalty for Pollock. A few minutes before the half time whistle Brown successfully landed another penalty.

The second half was an arm wrestle from start to finish, both teams tried their best to search out weaknesses, but the defences were dominant. After a big effort Keighley were rewarded with another penalty from Alex Brown. Pocklington although struggling somewhat in the scrums made good use of their possession, half-backs Bickerdike and Sangwin were able to find space for their centres and back row which put Keighley under pressure. However the Keighley midfield defence ably led by centre Adam Horsfall and fully supported by the back row nullified every attacking move. Keighley towards the end of the game were camped in the Pocklington twenty two metre area but they were unable to finish off excellent phase play through a lack of composure and solid defensive work. Keighley although deserving their victory was forced to work hard, Pocklington were stern opposition.. Next week a trip down the road to local rivals Bradford and Bingley that should prove to be an interesting game.