Middlesbrough 31 Keighley 31
A Yorkshire Shield game where both teams chose to blood a number of young players in order to give them first team experience. Middlesbrough started well playing a very fast and loose style of rugby, the strategy worked gaining an early try for young scrum half Connor Foley. Keighley then imposed themselves up front and after gaining a line out five metres out, scrum half Alan Ebbrell forced his way over in the corner, Alex Brown added the difficult conversion. A few minutes later Keighley repeated the tactic, this time number eight Hamish Pratt crossed, Alex Brown added the extras. Keighley now well into their stride pressured the opposition defence. In an effort to slow the ball at the breakdown Middlesbrough were forced into a number of penalties, eventually the referee had enough and sent a prop to the bin. Unfortunately the home team had no replacement front row player which meant, given the rules that Keighley had won the game. From this point onwards the game became a friendly match. Middlesbrough were next on the scoreboard with a penalty for young outside half Joe Gaudie. Keighley responded with a well taken try from winger Sam Walker, converted by Brown. Just before half time Middlesbroughâs young forward Lewis scored after some neat interplay, Gaudie added the conversion.
In the second half Keighley started well with a penalty for Alex Brown. However, Middlesbrough upped their game and drive from a line out gave Lewis Allen his second try. Keighley forced themselves back into the game and a second try for Alan Ebbrell. Middlesbrough towards the end played some good rugby gaining two penalties for Joe Gaudie and a well taken try for forward Euan Tremlett.