Old Crossleyans 22 Keighley 19

Crossleyans started well showing their intent to run the ball at every opportunity. Keighley’s defence nullified a number of promising attacks. Then it was their turn to exert pressure, dominating possession and territory, with Leigh Sugden and Ben Blackwell leading from the front they drove play deep into the opposition territory. Crossleyan’s under extreme pressure were forced to concede a number of penalties for attempting to slow the release of the ball for which one of their players were yellow carded.

Although Keighley battered away at the line they were unable to score. Against the run of play Crossleyans mounted a series of counter attacks that caught Keighley napping, eventually back row forward Chris Jones latched onto a well timed pass to score under the posts, converted by Gareth Sweeney.

A little later Keighley’s Alex Brown levelled the score when he intercepted and raced forty metres to score, he also added the conversion.

In the second half Crossleyan’s defence held out a number of promising Keighley attacks. Eventually they gained parity and wisely moved the ball wide or kicked for possession, in the end the tactic told and a try for winger Billy Hammond.

Keighley’s Alex Brown missed a relatively easy penalty, but the forwards in determined mood soon returned play deep into the opposition territory. At a ruck on the opposition try line the ball squirted out and was grounded by quick thinking winger Harry Titley, converted by Brown.

Crossleyan’s regained the lead with a penalty from full back Leigh Thomas. Although Keighley gained a lot of good possession they were unable to break up a solid defence. Crossleyan’s showed them how it should be done, an excellent flowing back move and a slip inside allowed outside half Gareth Ott to cut through and cross under the posts, converted by Thomas. Keighley forwards once again lay siege to the Crossleyan’s try line, back rower Scott Dyson eventually crossed the line but it was not possible for the referee to see the grounding. With the next attack there was no such doubt, after some powerful forward play the ball went quickly through the hands and young winger Jake Hill raced over to score in the corner.

Keighley finished the game strongly but were unable to add to the scoreline. A disappointing result for Keighley, they played well and deserved better. However, for newly promoted Keighley rugby at this level is still very much a learning experience.

The next lesson is a home game this Saturday against Morpeth.