Keighley 49 Old Crossleyans 12

The game started brightly with both teams testing each other out. Although Old Crocs handled well it was apparent at an early stage that the Keighley midfield defence was not going to give an inch, and the forwards were really on form. Indeed, after a period of sustained forward pressure near the opposition line a quick pass from scrum half Liam McGee found wing forward Scott Dyson at pace, crashing through three defenders to score, converted by Alex Brown.

Keighley playing with confidence really turned the screw, pressure at a scrum on the Crocs five metre area, gave number eight Leigh Sugden the opportunity to pick up and force his way over the whitewash, converted by Brown. Although Old Crocs gained a fair share of possession they were always under pressure and unable to gain a foothold in Keighley territory. Towards the end of the half Scott Dyson finished off a break by fullback Harry Titley to score near the posts. Brown once again added the extras.

In the second half Keighley continued to execute their game plan, which was simply forward pressure at every opportunity, followed by straight down the middle attacks using their strong centres Marco Ferrazzano and Ben Blackwell, or quick ball to the pacy wingers.

Using the second option, a floated pass to winger Sam Walker gave him the chance to use his speed and strength to score, converted by Brown. A little later a similar attack found full back Harry Titley in the line, a neat grubber kick and chase allowed him to split the defence and touch down, Brown converted. Crocs on the back of three victories were unused to being second best, and eventually were stung into action making a determined effort to raise their game. With skilled number eight Ryan Hammond and scrum half Vine in fine form they were able to find some space, some excellent handling and backing up resulted in two well taken tries from wingers G. Sweeney and Billy Hammond, one of which was converted by Sweeney. After this temporary set back Keighley regained the ascendancy, with the forwards taking turns to drive the ball forward, and David Iliff more than holding his own in the lineout Keighley once again were able to pressure their opponents.

After some neat handling from prop Craig Spencer, scrum half Liam McGee finished off a good move crossing under the posts, needless to say, converted by Brown. Sam Walker finished the game with his second try when he latched on to an inch perfect pass from Brown. Outside half Alex Brown finished a good personal, and team performance with a final well struck conversion. This Saturday Keighley are away to North Eastern team Morpeth.