Keighley struggle to subdue local rivals from Settle

Keighley 24 North Ribblesdale 10

Keighley found great difficulty subduing a very lively North Ribblesdale team. The first twenty minutes of the game were a real tussle. The hosts were intent on using their big centres to drive the ball up the middle, however North Ribb were well prepared for the challenge, their first up tackling was superb, breaking down a number of promising attacks. Eventually after a hard slog Keighley gained a territorial advantage, some hard running by number eight Leigh Sugden narrowed the defence allowing hooker Shaun Minikin the opportunity to step outside the last defender to score, converted by Ben Blackwell. Not to be out done North Ribb showing a great deal of character raised their game, some incisive running by their backs well supported by an eager back row put Keighley under extreme pressure, which eventually led to a thoroughly deserved try under the posts for number eight Matt Speres, outside half Michael Thwaite added the conversion. The last ten minutes of the half found Keighley on the back foot resisting pressure from the young North Ribb back line. The only reward for their efforts was a penalty for Thwaites.

In the second half Keighley began well, intent on moving the ball wide at every opportunity. The tactic met with little success, the visitors back line was quickly off the mark which gave the attackers too little room in which to manoeuvre, when they attempted to kick for position North Ribb full back Martins Bokiss was more than willing to run the ball back at them, gaining a great deal of ground in the process. Although Keighley were in the ascendancy they were too eager to chase the game which led to a number of handling errors. After a frustrating ten minutes or so they managed to force a lineout in the opposition twenty two. After the catch by Stuart Inman the pack were joined by at least four of the mid field backs, the extra drive power forced the North Ribb pack backwards, the ball arrived in the hands of outside half Chris Meehan who kicked wide to the far corner, winger Joe Copperwaite in full flight managed the very difficult catch and squeezed in to score wide out. Keighley with less than ten minutes of the match remaining forced the pace, a quick line out taken by Alfie Seeley to Ben Blackwell and a return pass gave full back Alfie Seeley a clear run to the try line, the try was converted by Blackwell. In the dying minutes Keighley using yet another line out drive involving most of the team gave wing forward Lucas Uren the chance to wriggle his way into the corner for the final bonus point score.