Keighley score 11 tries in record league victory

Yorkshire Division Two: Keighley 72, Barnsley 7

THIS 11-try romp Yorkshire Division Two romp was not only a record league victory for Keighley but also a record margin.

They were on the scoresheet within a minute, stealing possession at the kick-off and moving the ball wide to give winger Luke Carter a try in the corner, Alex Brown adding the difficult conversion.

Barnsley responded well, forcing play downfield, some fine back play giving fly half and captain Andy Appleyard the chance to cross under the posts for him to convert.

From that point onwards, however, Keighley dominated possession and territory.

Barnsley, under pressure in the scrum and at the breakdown, conceded a penalty which Brown converted.

A little later, Keighley were on the scoreboard again, a five-metre scrum being driven over the line for a try for influential No 8 Hamish Pratt, converted by Brown.

A ready supply of possession from the forwards gave Luke Carter his second try, and one followed for fellow winger Jack Atkinson, converted by Brown.

The second half started quietly enough, with Barnsley fighting hard for parity. However, pressure from the Keighley forwards and stonewall defence from the back division forced them to give ground, and a further two tries followed for Carter, Brown adding one conversion.

Keighley then wisely brought on fresh legs to contain Barnsley’s efforts and maintain the constant pressure.

A darting run inside from replacement winger Jake Hill found full back Liam Everett in support, resulting in a well-worked try.

Barnsley, who appeared down and out at one stage, rallied and through a good mix of back and forward play forced their way back into Keighley territory.

But all of their good work was undone when Keighley’s second-row Josh Hannah broke free to sprint 50 metres, only to be brought down almost on the try line.

However, quick recycling by the forwards found Adam Horsfall at pace and a try resulted near the posts, which Brown converted.

Fellow centre Ben Blackwell then got in on the act with a try wide out, followed by a further score from winger Atkinson, once again converted by Brown.

The final try was scored by Blackwell, who finished off a break from Brown, who added the conversion.

The result was probably Keighley’s biggest league victory ever.

There is a well-known adage in rugby that the forwards decide who wins, with the backs deciding by how many.

It was certainly true in this game. The Keighley forwards, to a man, were superb, grafting for the full 80 minutes, which allowed the backs their glory.

Match Report by : Sam Griffin