KEIGHLEY CLAIM FIRST DOUBLE OF SEASON WITH WIN AT OLD BRODLEIANS

OLD BRODLEIANS 5 - KEIGHLEY 21
A slate grey sky, a nithering wind, a temperature hovering around zero and a wet pitch were hardly conducive to a show of open rugby. What the conditions did not spoil, however, was an honest fully committed contest in which Keighley’s overall superiority prevailed.

The notorious Brod’s slope held few demons for the energetic visitors who made light of the home side’s first half pitch advantage, penning them for long spells deep in their own territory.

Stand-off Alex Brown’s return after an injury lay off added stability to the side and he edged Keighley ahead after 5 minutes with a penalty goal following a strong burst by centre Adam Horsfall which forced an error in the ensuing tackle.

The home side failed to take advantage of its superiority in the line outs and scrummages. Speculative downfield clearances were competently dealt with by Brown, full back Alfie Seeley and wingman Joe Copperwaite and attempts to run at Keighley’s midfield defence foundered in the face of fierce tackling by centres Ben Blackwell and Horsfall.

After a penalty attempt by Brown had rebounded off a post Keighley maintained the pressure. Forward Dan Snowden was tackled into touch 10 metres out and a rare clean take at a line out set up a promising attack which was spoiled by a knock forward. Keighley’s efforts were, however, rewarded when Brown landed a second penalty following a high tackle.

The try the visitors deserved was soon forthcoming, a great touch line run by Copperwaite set up the score for the supporting Lucas Uren, with Brown adding a fine conversion.

With the game slipping away from them Brods struck back powerfully. A dangerous mid field break forced an attacking lineout 10 metres out, setting up a powerful forward drive which allowed prop Reece Ward to peel off to score.

Keighley’s anxieties were, however, eased when on the stroke of half time Brown extended their lead with another penalty.

The extreme conditions handicapped both sides in the second half. Cold fingers inevitably led to spilled passes. Whilst much of the play took place in the Brod’s half Keighley were unable fully to exploit the slope advantage in the face of spirited rear guard action by the resolute home side.

Eventually the stalemate was broken when a well flighted kick to the corner by Brown was taken by wingman Jack Atkinson. The ball was quickly worked to acting centre Alan Ebbrell who crossed for the second try, Brown’s conversion attempt bouncing back off the cross bar.

Keighley’s task was done and a notable double over a higher placed side was achieved. In an all-round resilient display, special mention should be made of the work of Dan Snowden, Josh Hannah and the old war horse Leigh Sugden in the pack, whilst Copperwaite was the pick of an efficient back division.

The Utley men will be keen to continue their good form on Saturday at home to Halifax side Heath (K.O. 2.15)