Keighley U12 35 - Aireborough 7

Keighley U12’s met Aireborough for the second time in two weeks. The previous match being a close run game with Keighley winning by just one try and conversion. Both teams expecting a close match with strong competition.

The game was to be an excellent display of teamwork from Keighley, showing how strong they have become. Each player supporting the whole team, which they were all extremely proud of.

Coach’s award went to Fin Meegan.

Player of the Match went to Ryan Gibson.

Top Tackler went to Robbie Karmann.

Aireborough kicked off and the ball was cleanly caught in the forwards. Aireborough were quick to chase and closed down the ball in the Keighley pack. The battle in the ruck was eventually won by the strength and determination of the Keighley forwards. The ball was passed out through the backs, each gaining yards and passing quickly on to the next player just as the Aireborough defense arrived. Ellie Kildunne received the ball on the wing and was just pushed out over the touch line as she neared the try line.

Aireborough line out was cleanly caught and sent to their backs. Keighley were in hot pursuit, Fin Meegan and Robbie Karmann almost arriving to block the clearance kick. Aireborough just managed to get the ball kicked clear. Harry Gallagher caught the ball from full back, at pace. He used his pace to reach full speed as he met the defense. There was no defense strong enough to stop him as he burst through the backs to gain a clear sight of the try line and landed the try between the posts. Ryan Gibson stepped up for the conversion with ease.

Keighley 7 – Aireborough 0 after 5 minutes.

The early try was a wakeup call for Aireborough. From the restart they showed more strength and determination for the next 10 minutes. Keighley forwards would set up the ball from several malls and rucks, the ball cleanly passing out to the backs who would gain significant ground on the pitch. Ellie and Ryan linked up several times to gain ground and just get pushed in to touch by the determined defense. Aireborough used their kicking game well to move play back towards half way. Both Liam Brookes and Harry shared the capturing of the ball from the kicks and would run back to the support of the forwards.

Aireborough defended with great strength but the momentum was all with Keighley. Then an opportunity was found when there was a knock on at the Aireborough 22. Keighley forwards held the scrum tightly and won the ball. The ball was passed down the blind side and met a strong defense. Harvey Kemp grappled the ball from the mall and broke free. With the try line in sight he lowered his shoulders and drove through the Aireborough pack to score a classic forwards try. Ryan converted the try with ease.

Keighley 14 – Aireborough 0

Half time gave both teams an opportunity for a rest in a match that was becoming a battle of strength and determination.

Keighley kicked off for the second half. Chasing the ball to arrive just as it was caught by the opposition. The Keighley backs managed to ground the ball before Aireborough had chance to clear and passed the ball down the opposite wing. Although Aireborough managed to cover across the field, they were no match for Liam who found a gap to drive through for the third try of the game. Ryan’s trusty boot converting the try.

Keighley 21 – Aireborough 0 after 22 minutes.

The Aireborough restart was a caught by Fin, deep behind 22, who managed to weave between the oncoming visitors to gain ground back to the 22. A knock on lead to a scrum, where the forwards again showed that they have become a formidable pack in the scrum play. The scrum stayed solid allowing the ball to be passed back to Robbie Payne who cleared up the pitch. No rest for the backs, Ellie chased and managed to be first to the ball, gaining ground up to the Aireborough 22 before the defense managed to push her in to touch.

Line outs were followed by scrums, then clearances to touch and back to line outs. Aireborough defense was well trained and very hard to break through. The opportunity came when Aireborough knocked on within their 22.

The forwards stepped up knowing the job required and delivered to perfection. A good strong, straight scrum won with the ball emerging to the backs who were running at speed. Fin followed the play, after delivering from scrum half and was positioned ideally to take the ball over the try line. Ryan converted his fourth of the day.

Keighley 28 – Aireborough 0

The next phase of play was almost a repeat of the previous 10 minutes. Keighley attacked and threatened to score several times. The Aireborough backs managing to clear the ball to line outs. Then a number of penalties started to appear as the tiring defense suffered a few handling errors whilst trying to compete against the stamina of the Keighley attack. A scrum was eventually awarded on the visitors 22 which was the perfect position for Keighley to seal the game.
With another magnificent display of scrumming the ball was won and passed out. Robbie Payne running in over the try line from centre. As an additional reward he then took his chance to show his skills with the boot and converted the try.

Keighley 35 – Aireborough 0

With only a couple of minutes left in the game Keighley lost their focus at the restart. They chased the ball, causing a handling error which they retrieved and scored a well-deserved try. The conversion a success as well.

Keighley 35 – Aireborough 7

The final restart had just enough time for Fin to capture and clear to the 22. That was the last play of the match. Both teams congratulated each other at the end of this well fought match.

A truly excellent team effort.