West Leeds 29 Keighley 21
By Sam Griffin

A frustrating day for both players and spectators. The rugby was patchy at best, lacking continuity. Both teams started well and were evenly matched, apart from the scrums where Keighley dominated. An early break from West leeds, ball along the line and a try wide out for the winger, well converted by outside half Breakwell. Keighley responded well, some hard yard rugby gained territory, after a driven scrum, blind side wing forward Ross Lacey dived over to score, Fin Meegan added the conversion. West Leeds regained their lead with a penalty from Breakwell. Although both teams gained decent possession it was more often than not slow ball, which meant that both backlines were unable to make any progress. Often both teams resorted to the boot, In rugby if the kick does not find grass or is well chased it is simply giving the ball away. A poor kick from Keighley allowed West Leeds to break out of defence, clever outside half Breakwell broke the line to put the right winger in under the posts, Breakwell added the conversion.

The second half was a turgid affair, in the first few minutes West Leeds gained a penalty, the kick hit the post which allowed Keighley to run it out, at the breakdown another penalty to West Leeds, this time Breakwell landed it. Once again Keighley responded, breaking out of the midfield deadlock centre Jak Adams drove play deep into opposition territory, at a line out big Sam Booker drove over to score, Meegan added the extras. The second section of the half was dire, unfortunately for Keighley whatever they did seemed to go against them, which led to three further penalties for Breakwell. In the last ten minutes or so an injury in the Keighley ranks saw coach Ben Sowrey come on as substitute. He made a difference, his driving play made good ground at every carry. His forward team mates raised their game which allowed prop Andy Hays the chance to drive his self over to score, Meegan finished off the scoring. In retrospect, either team could have won. Both teams played hard and fair, even so there were at least four yellow cards issued, which was frustrating and confusing for both teams.