Yarnbury 15 Keighley 25
by Sam Griffin

A return to winning ways for Keighley. The first quarter of the game was totally dominated by the visitors. The Keighley pack were in control. Unfortunately some enforced errors and a stubborn defence kept them out. The only reward for their efforts a penalty for outside half Fin Meegan. The constant pressure from the pack and some hard running from centres Adam Horsfall and Alan Ebbrell eventually broke Yarnbury down. A poor kick out of defence gave Keighley fullback Alfie Seeley the chance to break down the middle of the field, linking with his forwards the play was taken to the try line which eventually led to a penalty try for repeated infringements. Yarnbury responded with some neat well organised attacks through their back division, well orchestrated by outside half Daniel Pound. One such move managed to narrow the Keighley defence giving speedy winger George Butler the chance to brush off two poor tackles to score. A little later they added to their tally with a penalty from Pound. Although Keighley were doing well upfront, Yarnbury with limited possession and territory were intent on moving the ball wide which caused Keighley a great deal of difficulty. Although the Yarnbury backs well supported by their back row were a constant threat the majority of their moves started in their own half which gave Keighley chance to organise their defence. As the half drew to a close winger Jack Atkinson made the extra man in midfield giving centre Alan Ebbrell a gap and a clear run to the line, the try was converted by Meegan.

The second half continued in the same vein, the Keighley pack were in fine form and continued to overpower their opposite numbers. Yarnbury forced to be more adventurous managed to stretch the Keighley defence on several occasions through quick handling. Unfortunately for them their good work was outdone with a penalty conceded on the half way. Meegan managed to land the long distance kick. With a commanding lead Keighley became a little disjointed, the forwards and backs not gelling quite as they should. Yarnbury showing character used their forwards especially their back row to great effect, leading to a well taken try, converted by Pound. Although Keighley were still dominating possession the outcome of the game was still uncertain, through some powerful running from Jake Parkinson and Jordan Yaxley they managed to get into good possession but lack of accuracy and white line fever let them down. As the final whistle approached Keighley managed to finish the game off with a well taken try for Fin Meegan. The next few weeks gives Keighley a rest from League rugby, giving new coach Ben Sowrey the chance to iron out any difficulties. Keighley after a patchy first game performance have improved and should look forward to making an impression on the Yorkshire one division.