Keighley lose to Middlesbrough for 3rd time this season

Keighley 3 Middlesbrough 21

A game of open rugby that Keighley started well, a constant stream of possession gained them good territory. Breaking from a scrum lively scrum half Lucas Uren fed number eight Leigh Sugden who crossed the try line but the ball was dislodged from his grasp. The only reward from the constant pressure was an offside penalty for Captain Alex Brown. Middlesbrough weathered the storm, and began to build pressure, choosing not to commit many players to any breakdown meant they had extra players in defence and attack. With experienced outside half Andy Baggett controlling the play the Keighley defence was moved around a lot, when the Keighley’s defending winger chose to move inside there was space for Middlesbrough winger Sean Moloney to run in unopposed, Baggett added the conversion. Keighley fought back well but the clogged midfield frustrated them and they were unable to take advantage of good forward play and resultant possession. Middlesbrough back in control moved the ball well, which resulted in a carbon copy try for Maloney, wide defender drawn in, space on the outside, simple try, Baggett added the extras.

The second half started well for the visitors; using the space they pushed play into the Keighley twenty two. A line out followed by a ruck gave substitute scrum half Mathew Todd the opportunity to break through a stretched defence to score, once again Baggett added the easy conversion. Keighley responded well, with all the forwards led by Sugden working hard, quicker possession gave outside half Alex Brown more time and space to bring his backs into play. A number of times powerful centre Sean Kelly was able to break free but the cover defence managed to haul him down. Showing a great deal of character Keighley varied their play, winger Copperwaite and full back Seeley were the main points of attack. Although Copperwaite touched down the referee was unable to keep up with play and was unable to award it. A little later a certain try went begging when the last pass went to ground. Keighley overall were probably the better side in the second half but they were unable to turn the pressure into points.