KEIGHLEY WELL BEATEN BY A COMPETENT PONTEFRACT

Keighley 7 Pontefract 34

Another difficult game for Keighley, Pontefract with big forwards and swift backs were always going to be a problem. Early pressure from the visitors especially their outstanding number eight Gareth Burns was cancelled out by some strong tackling. Keighley, although under pressure worked hard to force openings through their strong centres Tillotson and Kelly. Eventually the stalemate was broken, a speculative kick out of defence was not dealt with by the home side, instead the ball fell into the hands of speedy winger Stewart Sanderson and a try under the posts converted by scrum half Callum Watts. Pontefract’s pattern from this point onwards was clear, two big back row men in midfield to receive line out ball, then a drive down the middle to narrow the defence on both sides. Keighley dealt with the pressure very well with some excellent work from their back row. Pontefract gaining a good territorial position forced a penalty that Watts converted. Keighley trying hard to close the deficit came unstuck when some passes went adrift, winger Sanderson swooped on the loose ball and raced over for a try. Just before half time the home team put some good passages of play together but were unable to break down the defence.

In the second half Keighley were intent on chasing the game, determined driving play from the Keighley forwards put Pontefract under pressure and a well worked try for prop Craig Spencer, converted by captain Alex Brown. With more possession Keighley began to look dangerous, second rowers Carter and Kemp were making inroads and the backs on the front foot were using the ball well. Unfortunately a poor kick to nowhere was fielded by Pontefract who immediately attacked, two passes and winger Sanderson was over for his hat trick of tries, the extras added by Watts. Refusing to give in Keighley pressed, centre Rich Tillotson managed to break through the defence, a superb tackle from Pontefract centre Craig Fawcett stopped him just short of the line. Keighley were eventually rewarded for their efforts with a try under the posts for back rower John Gibson, unfortunately the referee was unable to see the grounding and much to the consternation of the spectators the score was disallowed. The final phases of the game saw Keighley trying too hard to chase the game and the combination of lack of composure and a forceful Pontefract play led to a flurry of points, with a further try for winger Sanderson and one for his fellow winger Richard Dedicoat, Watts added one of the conversion. Pontefract on a good run of form deserved their victory. Next week Keighley are way to league strugglers Old Rishworthians.

Report from Pontefract's website:
KEIGHLEY 7 PONTEFRACT 34

Playing on a 4g artificial pitch for the first time, the conditions suited the Pontefract handling game as they eventually claimed a comfortable bonus point victory. The main beneficiary was winger Stuart Sanderson who dotted own four times to continue his impressive try scoring season.

The Pontefract pack was again in dominant form at the set piece which gave a platform for the backs to showcase their considerable talents. Pontefract scored early as veteran full back Glen Boyd regathered his own up and under to send Sanderson in for his first converted try. For the next twenty minutes it was frustration for Ponte. A Callum Watts penalty was the only reward as several gilt-edged chances were blown mainly due to the final pass going astray but one from a magnificent cover tackle on Niall Sandwith as he looked sure to score.

Ponte did get over just before half time as Sanderson took advantage of a Keighley handling error to open up a seventeen to nil half time advantage.

Keighley held very little attacking threat in the first half but were first to score in the second with a converted try resulting from run of a pick and drives from their forwards. The hosts then missed a simple penalty as they unbelievably threatened to get back in the game. That threat was ended soon after as Boyd rolled back the years with a scintillating break to send Sanderson over for his third. Watts converted from the touchline and soon after repeated the feat as Sanderson scored his fourth from a cross field kick from Liam Kaye.

Richard Dedicoat on the other wing concluded the scoring as he rounded the full back after great hands from Craig Fawcett and Andy Coleman had sent him away.

Despite the wasteful finishing, this was another impressive performance from Ponte which keeps them in the promotion hunt. Impressive on the day was Sam Millard and Tyler Smith whilst Ethan Potts had his best game yet deputising at hooker.

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