Keighley 52 Wensleydale 12
Match report by Sam Griffin
On a cold grey day, with little expectation of running rugby, a fine eight try league victory for Keighley. Both teams were unconcerned by the weather conditions and were prepared to move the ball around at every opportunity. After a somewhat hectic start, Keighley second row Ed Keighley returning to the first team after a long lay off through injury finished off a quick tap penalty move driving over the line to score, centre Ben Stead added the conversion. A few minutes later outside half Fin Meegan intercepted a poor pass to race clear, evading two tackles to score, once again Stead added the extra points. Wensleydale with their strong second rowers Harrison and Lawson to the fore forced themselves back into the game, some really good link play between forwards and backs gave hooker Tom Larder the chance to force his way over for a well deserved try, full back Brody Lewis added the conversion. Keighley were soon back into action, with the forwards providing good possession and the steady control of centres Kelly and Stead in midfield Wensleydale were soon on the ropes, some really good back play gave Colt winger Levi McKnight a great debut into senior rugby, eventually the speed of handling gave fullback Alfie Seeley the chance to finish a move with a try in the corner. Once again Wensleydale upped their game and put Keighley under pressure. Unfortunately nothing came of their efforts. A quick break out of defence by winger Alan Ebbrell was well supported by centre Ben Stead who crossed wide out, he also kicked the conversion.

In the second half with a comfortable scoreline Keighley raised the tempo and opened the game up even further. The forwards were quite outstanding, to a man they went looking to make the hard yards which gave the backs time and space. Adam Kemp returning to the back row after doing stalwart work in the second row for many weeks used his athleticism and skill to finish off a move instigated by second row Ed Keighley, Fin Megan taking on the kicking duties added the conversion. A little later Jak Adams replacing Ben Stead in the centre birth broke through the opposition defensive line to score under the posts, Meegan once again added the conversion. At this stage of the game although Wensleydale were working hard Keighley were dominant. A Hopeful kick out of defence by Wensleydale was fielded by winger Ebbrell who danced his way down field to score, Stead back on the field added the extras. Wensleydale were still very much in the fight their forwards never gave up, some excellent link play allowed speedy winger Finlay Metcalf some space and a try in the corner. As the final whistle beckoned Keighley prop Sam Booker capped a fine all-round performance with a big drive into the opposition twenty two metre area, it was finished off by another new boy hooker Henry Sisley who forced his way over wide out. A fine bonus point win over good opposition which should set Keighley up nicely for their big away game at unbeaten league leaders North Ribblesdale.