CASTLEFORD 0 - KEIGHLEY 34

CASTLEFORD 0 - KEIGHLEY 34

Keighley’s impressive form continued with a comfortable win against a dogged but unimaginative Castleford side.
In steadily worsening conditions handling errors were frequent for both sides, but Keighley adapted more readily and were soon on the attack, centre Adam Horsfall crossing for a try after 5 minutes play.

Even though they had the benefit of a strong gusty wind at their backs, the home side was unable to make headway against a well drilled Keighley pack, and with stand off Alex Brown’s relieving kicks judged to perfection play was generally confined to the Castleford half.

From a 5 metre line out Keighley secured good possession and a powerful maul to the try line allowed prop Craig Spencer to touch down for the second try.
Good work by Horsfall set wingman Luke Carter on a strong run to the line where the home forwards did well to prevent the touch down, but Keighley continued to defy the foul weather with full back Allan Ebbrell and wingman Jack Atkinson running strongly at the defence.

Inevitably the relentless pressure began to tell. Second row man Leigh Sugden forced his way over before a great 30 metre maul by the Keighley pack led to No. 8 Hamish Pratt picking up and diving over for a try which secured the bonus point after half an hour of play.

With the wind in their favour in the second half Keighley anticipated further domination. However, relentless heavy rain and cold hands stifled their ambition and with the home pack’s spoiling game proving effective, further scoring chances were few.

Pratt eventually claimed his second try, forcing his way over from close range with Brown at last finding his range with a fine conversion.
Castleford continued to play with commendable spirit for a lost cause. Centres Thomas Dobson and Jake Humphries threatened spasmodically and for the first time in the match Keighley were forced to withstand a determined maul from a 5 metre line out. Their forwards were more than equal to the task and when the home side finally released the ball to the backs, the attack faltered against the devastating tackling of Keighley centres Horsfall and Ben Blackwell.

In the final minutes Keighley produced, against all the odds, their most skilful and fluent passage of play leading to Ebbrell crossing for the sixth try, converted by Brown. It was a fitting reward for the full back’s all round excellent performance.

The stamina of the Keighley side on the most testing of days had been the key factor in extending the winning run to 9 matches. Perhaps even more remarkable is the fact that for the last three games they have prevented the opposition from scoring and have in those last 9 victories conceded Keighley mere 32 points,

On Saturday Keighley will face a more serious challenge when they host fourth placed side Pontefract (k.o. 2.15 p.m.) in what promises to be a thrilling contest.