Keighley march on at top of table

Wensleydale 19 Keighley 32
by Sam Griffin
On paper a difficult away fixture for league leaders Keighley. All social media pundits had them down to lose especially after last weeks lack lustre, albeit winning performance. Fortunately the Keighley players had not read the script. There was immediate pressure, Keighley’s live wire wing forward Oli Snowden snatched the ball and set up a blistering attack, the pressure from the forwards gained an easy kickable penalty, instead the ball was kicked into the corner, from the ensuing line out the ball was driven forward, some neat passing and fullback Jack Atkinson was over. Unfortunately the try was not allowed due to an infringement. A few minutes later another penalty was awarded that Alex Brown converted. Although Wensleydale did their best they were up against an aggressive defence and domination at every scrum. With Alex Brown managing the game well some line out ball was driven on, after release the ball was moved to midfield and winger Alan Ebbrell was able to carve his way through to score, Brown added the conversion. Wensleydale threw everything they had at the visitors and spent a period of time very near the Keighley line but the try line defence held firm. Keighley with their three line out jumpers on form and dominance at the breakdown and scrum caused the home side problems and a further penalty for Brown. Once again Wensleydale tried hard to get back into the contest, perhaps too hard, a long pass was intercepted by Alfie Seeley who raced to the opposition twenty two. Yet another penalty was awarded, Keighley chose the scrum and drove it a full ten metres allowing captain Tom Whyte the touch down, Brown added the extras. With the half time whistle fast approaching, Keighley mouted another attack that was well finished off by hooker Dec Hampson who scored wide out, Brown added the conversion.

The second half was in parts a reversal of the first. In the early stages of the game with nothing to lose Wensleydale showed what they could do putting Keighley under pressure in all phases of play. With captain Ed Metcalfe providing quality ball from the line outs and outside half Reynard managing the point of attack they looked like a different team. Keighley were on the ropes, quick ball from broken play was driven over by number eight Stanwix, Reynard added the conversion. Keighley were unable to take the play out of their half, and yet another slick move gave the home side a further try when Stanwix finished off a move in the backs to score in the corner. Eventually Keighley managed to stabilise their game through solid work from the pack and sensible play in the backs. The game became a midfield stalemate neither team able to get into scoring positions. As the final whistle approached Keighley made a final effort, a fine break through the middle by winger Ebbrell gave Keighley good field position, a poor kick out of defence by Wensleydale was taken by winger Sam Bleakly who raced into the corner to score. Wensleydale response on the stroke of full time was a well taken try from centre Palmer, outside half Reynard drop kicked the conversion to end the match. A well taken bonus point victory for the Keighley team, who on the day played like league leaders should.