Bridlington 28 Keighley 27

With two regulars unavailable through work commitments and a number of positional changes Keighley were not at full strength. However, it was expected that they would be strong enough to overcome Bridlington, especially as they had beaten the same side by over thirty points earlier in the season.

At the start of the game Bridlington were quickly out of the blocks. Their game plan was obvious, quick ball to their big speedy back line, avoiding the Keighley forwards as often as possible. The plan worked, early pressure forced Keighley to give ground and concede a penalty, which was converted by winger S. Mellonby.

Keighley soon levelled the score line with a penalty from Alex Brown. Although Keighley won more than their fair share of possession they were unable to find any rhythm, too often promising moves broke down through poor execution and enforced errors. Bridlington playing with confidence increased the pressure on the disjointed visitors, which eventually led to a brace of winger tries for Mellonby, one of which he converted.

Keighley shaken by the score line went back to basics and the direct approach. The forwards, especially young prop Craig Spencer and the Sugden brothers drove the ball up field, Bridlington struggling to compete conceded a string of penalties one of which Alex Brown converted. The forwards maintained the pressure forcing Bridlington to retreat, quick ruck ball found Alex Brown with burly farmer and captain Leigh Sugden on his outside. With the line five metres away and two men to beat it was a typical Sugden try, scoring with both defenders on his back. Unfortunately for Keighley a penalty under the posts was wasted when a player chose to tap and go only to find a well marshalled defence and no support. Bridlington with the half coming to an end gained some good possession, and pressured through their skilful backs, good defensive work kept them out. However, when the fullback joined the line there was enough space for Bridlington’s strong running centre B. Johnson to score wide out.

In the second half Keighley roused themselves and took the lead with a penalties from Brown and a well taken try for Mickey Phillips, after some excellent approach work from full back Danny McGee, Brown added the conversion. Keighley extended their lead with two further penalties from Alex Brown. After working so hard to take the lead Keighley appeared to ease off a little which gave Bridlington the opportunity to string some good moves together, involving both forwards and backs.

Playing with renewed confidence and excellent ball retention they pressured the Keighley line giving full back M.Robinson the opportunity to drive for a try. With time running out and hanging on to a two point lead it looked as if Keighley were going to run the clock down keeping the ball close to the forwards. It was not to be, they managed to put themselves under difficulties in midfield, leading to a penalty for Bridlington. For some reason a comment was made causing the referee to march Keighley back a further ten metres, and gave Mellonby an easier shot at goal which he gratefully accepted.

In the few minutes remaining Keighley threw everything they had into attack but were unable to score, giving resilient Bridlington a deserved victory. Hopefully Keighley will have learned some hard lessons, which will help them when they face a difficult York team at home this Saturday.