Keighley win again and maintain their defensive record

Keighley 28 Leodiensians 5

Keighley started well, playing some high tempo rugby they were soon pressing Leo’s line. However, attempting to force the game together with a general lack of composure let them down. After the initial pressure Leos countered well, outside half Ed Farmer was a constant threat distributing superbly. A break out of defence was their eventual undoing, a firm tackle from Keighley centre Adam Horsfall dislodged the ball which was swooped upon by Alex Brown who found number eight Josh Hannah supporting at pace and a try under the posts, which Brown converted. Once again Leos prompted by half back Farmer and some strong running from number eight Stuart Costello mounted a wave of attacks, but these were nullified by some impressive defence especially from Keighley’s two powerful centres Horsfall and Blackwell. Just before the half time whistle Keighley upped the tempo and some neat handling gave centre Blackwell a run in between the sticks, converted by Brown.

In the second half Keighley rearranged the structure of their team to ensure they maintained the fast moving game that suits them best. Initially it worked well. An attack wide out by winger Liam Everett found centre Horsfall in support, a clever chip through the defence gave Everett the chance to harass the final defender. Horsfall following up dived on the loose ball to score in the corner, Alex Brown added the difficult conversion. Mid way into the final half Leo’s were unfortunate to lose a forward to a red card decision. Keighley were slow to take advantage, Leos with nothing to lose began to dominate proceedings, some good work from forwards and backs put Keighley under pressure, and once again they were rescued by their well organised defence. With time running out Keighley moved into the opposition territory, a pick up from a scrum by number eight Hannah followed by a neat break by Alex Brown gave full back Alan Ebbrell an unopposed try wide out. Brown who was in fine form with the boot added the wide angled conversion. Leos to their credit battled to the very end and a solid drive from their forwards won them a well deserved try claimed by second rower Simon Winterburn.

Having only conceded 44 points in their 6 games to date, Keighley hold the 2nd best defensive record, for clubs who have played 6 games to date, in the whole of the 17 Leagues in the RFU North Division from National 3 North league downwards. Only Ruskin Park in Merseyside West have a better record with 25 points conceded after their 6 games. In the same league Southport have 44, equal to Keighley.

This Saturday Keighley are away to Knottingley, the seconds and Academy XV’s are at home to Yarnbury and Cleckheaton.