KEIGHLEY LOSE FIRST GAME SINCE 5th SEPTEMBER 2015

Old Rishworthians 25 Keighley 18

Rishworthians started really well; starving Keighley of possession, they forced themselves into the visitor’s territory. When finally Keighley got themselves into a good position they wasted the opportunity through frenzied play, resulting in handling errors. Rishworthians maintained their stranglehold and some neat interpassing in midfield led to a well taken try under the posts for centre Mathew Hunt-Brown, the conversion was added by outside half Josh Kelly. The visitors laboured to get themselves back into the game but a combination of slow service for the three quarters and a very tight defence kept them pinned in their own half for long periods of time. Rishworthians gaining in confidence played with a great deal of skill and panache, the continual pressure led to a penalty, which Kelly converted. A few minutes later Keighley’s defences were breached again, a fine attacking move through the backs gave winger Anthony Shoesmith a run into the corner. With the half coming to an end Keighley mounted a rare attack and from a strong driving maul hooker Will Armitage detached to score wide out.

The second half started well for Keighley, the forwards powered their way up field, quick ball provided the backs with the opportunity to attack, centre Ben Blackwell drew the defence before delivering a long floating pass to winger Sam Walker in full flow, carrying two defenders with him he managed to force his way over the line to score in the corner. A little later a strong run from wing forward Josh Hannah forced Rish to concede a penalty and a further three points for Alex Brown. Although Keighley were intent on raising the tempo of the game their inability to provide quick ball allowed the Rishworthians chance to number up in defence, breaking down a number of promising attacks. Eventually, hoping for better field position Keighley reverted to a long kick out of defence. A very poor option, the ball stayed in field and into the hands of the Rishworthians full back Gerard Rollings, with space in front of him and support on either side he swept up field before finally delivering a pass to outside half Kelly and a well executed try near the posts, Kelly added to his tally with the conversion. Further attacking play from the hosts led to a penalty and three more points for Kelly. With time running out Keighley managed to get the ball to their main attacking weapon winger Sam Walker who once again forced his way over in the corner. It was a case of too little too late, Keighley playing as they did were lucky to get a losing bonus point; Rishworthians were by far the better team and thoroughly deserved their victory.