KEIGHLEY WIN FIRST GAME IN YORKSHIRE 1

Yarnbury 6 Keighley 14

A valuable win away from home at rain swept Yarnbury. A much improved Keighley started well with sound build up play that led to early territorial gains. However, the pressure did not bring any points and it was Yarnbury’s turn to press, most of the play coming via their big forwards, well led by captain Jim Cryan. They were rewarded for their efforts with a long range penalty from full back Keiron Davies. Keighley returned to the fray, Outside half Alex Brown used good possession to bring his big centres Horsfall and Blackwell into action, creating havoc in the opposition defence and a series of penalties, one of which Brown converted. As the half progressed Keighley once again began to dominate territory but due to over eagerness and the poor weather conditions were unable to score. A late thrust from Yarnbury gave them a foothold in Keighley territory and another well struck penalty for Davies.

Whatever the Keighley coaches said at half time worked. They began to play a more expansive game at a quicker pace, changing the point of attack at every opportunity. Eventually, the supply of good ball from the forwards gave the backs the opportunity to progress, with the centres fixing the defence the ball was moved wide into space which number eight Josh Hannah exploited to cross in the corner. Yarnbury responded well their forwards worked hard to gain territory but their backs were unable to do much due to the aggressive defence. Keighley eventually turned the screw, the forwards with lively prop Craig Spencer and the rest of the front row to the fore forced Yarnbury to defend for long periods. The strain began to tell, leading to a series of penalties, two of which Alex Brown converted. Keighley continued to dominate until the final whistle but were unable to add to the score line. In the end a well earned Keighley victory after a tentative start to the season. This Saturday, hopefully in better weather conditions they entertain Acklam.