Keighley 32 Old Brodleians 31

A cracking game of rugby. Keighley who were outplayed for most of the match, managed through sheer determination and hard graft to win with the last kick of the game. Keighley started well with some free flowing rugby. From a scrum in the opposition half number eight Leigh Sugden broke free, a quick pass and a return saw him score wide out. Then the curse of Keighley took over, loose kicking from the half backs gave Brods free possession and the opportunity to attack from deep, strong running from the backs especially centre Laurie Hamer and poor defensive line speed caused Keighley no end of problems. Eventually the defence cracked and speedy number eight Rob Jennings broke free to score under the posts, centre Phil Town added the conversion. Old Brods with their tails up continually pressured the Keighley line forcing errors that led to a penalty for Phil Town. Keighley at this stage of the game were struggling, only strong mid field defence and excellent covering play from seventeen year old open side wing forward Tom Willson kept them at bay. Near the half time whistle a strong break down the left and some good off loading gave number eight Rob Jennings his second try, once again converted by Phil Town.

With the score at seventeen points to five it was going to be a long afternoon for Keighley. Alex Brown eased the pressure with a well struck penalty. A little later Brods forced a lineout in the Keighley five metre area, clean ball and a concerted drive gave wing forward Danny Vento the chance to touch down, Phil Town added the difficult touch line conversion. Keighley to their great credit forced their way back into the game and some strong running from centres Adam Horsfall and partner Sean Kelly took play deep into Brods territory, quick hands gave Horsfall the opportunity to drive his way to the line, drawing the last man he delivered an inch perfect pass to winger Kyle Akrigg. The score gave Keighley confidence, line out pressure gave their physical scrum half Lucas Uren the chance to intercept and break through to deliver a try scoring pass for supporting forward Stuart Inman, Brown added the conversion. Old Brods not to be outdone extended their lead with some slick play which gave their outstanding number eight Jennings his hat trick try, the extras were added by Phil Town. With time running out Old Brods were penalised with a yellow card for a head high tackle by second row Peter Williams. From that point onwards Keighley lifted their game, causing havoc in the scrums they forced Brods to defend. Sustained pressure gave second row Luke Carter a gap that he managed to squeeze through to the try line. Keighley in the last six or so minutes were totally dominant, intense pressure saw the opposition defence buckle and a second try for outstanding forward Leigh Sugden right under the posts. Alex Brown with the last play of the game added the winning extra two points.

Report By Sam Griffin