Keighley 33 Leodensian 7
by Sam Griffin

A decent game of competitive rugby in difficult conditions. The early stages of the match were tentative with both teams searching out weaknesses, as expected the handling was a bit hit or miss. Although Keighley had the best of early possession and territory they faced a very determined defence. Leo’s weathering the early pressure, got back into the game, using their their powerful back row to gain ground. Once again handling errors and Keighley’s powerful scrum kept them at bay. After twenty minutes of stalemate Keighley gained a penalty in front of the posts. Instead of banking the three points they chose to run the ball and the curse of handling errors let them down. Eventually Keighley forwards started getting on top, a period of hard driving play featuring the prominent Keighley number eight Tom Waite took play close to the opposition line, with the defence on the back foot, energetic wing forward Lucas Uren muscled his way over, the try was converted by Fin Meegan. Leo’s alert to any opportunity managed to gain possession in midfield, some really quick handling and hard running gave winger Rob Barnes the chance to out run a lack lustre defence to score a well deserved try, he also added the conversion. Leo's were proving very difficult to breakdown, their defence was excellent and their backs looked especially dangerous. Late in the half a Keighley move wide out gave strong centre Jak Adams the chance to chip through, winger Ebbrell was on hand to follow up and score.

In the early stages of the second half Leos moved up a gear, once again using their powerful back row and speedy backs to full advantage. Some good interplay deep in Keighley territory was eventually broken down by a strong defence. Weathering the early pressure and with good possession Keighley initiated a mismove in midfield. Outside half Fin Meegan in control drew the defence before delivering the ball to winger Sam Blakely who arrived at pace to carve up what remained of the defence to score, Meagan landed the difficult conversion. With a two score lead Keighley took play deep into opposition territory which led to a five metre scrum. The Keighley pack in fine form drove the Leos pack over the line to score, Meegan once again added the extras. At this stage of the game the result looked almost certain. However, Leos were not prepared to give in. They mounted a late rally that gained territory and exerted serious pressure, but once again their slick interplay was broken down by a well organised defence. Near the end of the match a Keighley line out in the Leo’s half led to a sweeping back move and a well taken try for centre Adams. Meegan finished the scoring with the conversion. A deserved bonus point victory for Keighley. In some respects the final score flattered them as the final result was in the balance for long periods of time. Leos who are at the bottom of the league table played well, unfortunately for them their overall lack of possession cost them dear.