Keighley 59 Old Rishworthians 22
Report by Sam Griffin
A superb game of league rugby between two enterprising teams. The first ten minutes of the game were somewhat erratic with both teams coming close to scoring. Eventually the formidable Keighley forwards settled down to their brand of hard driving play. With the Keighley back row of Parkinson, Wild and Uren at their very best, Rishworthians found the going difficult, which led to a penalty under the posts for new boy fullback Will Gaffney. The pressure continued, excellent forward play gave quick ball to the backs, which allowed centres Sean Kelly and Adam Horsfall to dominate mid field in both attack and defence. Some speedy interplay between forwards and backs led to a well taken try for second row Ed Keighley, converted by Gaffney. Rishworthians worked hard to get back in the game and looked almost certain to score, a classic tackle from young outside half Charlie Hartley saved the day. They had to make do with a penalty for full back Ed Cartwright. Not to be outdone Keighley centre Kelly drove hard for the line with three tacklers closing in he twisted and turned and crossed to score, once again Gaffney added the extra points. At a scrum on the Rishworthians twenty two, number eight Max Wild picked up and scored, Gaffney converted from wide out. Rishworthians just before the half time whistle rallied and a well taken try for lively scrum half Chris Leatham, converted by Cartwright.

Within minutes of the start of the second half some really classy handling from what seemed like the whole Keighley team gave Max Wild his second try, Gaffney added the extras. Although the score was building in Keighley’s favour Rishworthians were playing some neat rugby, a lovely passage of play between forwards and backs gave Leatham his second try. Once again excellent forward play from the Keighley pack put Rishworthians under tremendous pressure and yet another try for Max Wild, Gaffney converted. The dominant play of the Keighley tight forwards gave flanker Jake Parkinson the chance to dent the opposition defence, his outrageous flick pass found full back Will Gaffney in support and a well taken try, he added the conversion. Whatever the score line Rishworthians were never going to give up and to their credit mounted some well structured attacks, and from a driven line out deep in Keighley territory number eight Freddy Mitchell touched down, Cartwright added the conversion. Keighley finished the game off with a flourish with a try for Sam Booker and another one from Will Gaffney, who also converted both. Although the scoreline looks one sided, Rishworthians made Keighley work hard for their impressive victory. This was probably their best performance this season, the whole team were on form. Keighley now have a two week break to allow other teams in the league to replay games cancelled due to frost. Their next outing is an away trip to Wensleydale.