Wheatley Hills 47 Keighley 9

After a tentative start Keighley took the lead with a penalty from Alex Brown. A few minutes later Wheatley’s full back John Woodcock joined the back line and carved up the Keighley defence to score, which he also converted.

Although Brown kept Keighley in the game with a further penalty, Wheatley Hills were dominating the majority of exchanges. Keighley defended very well and made numerous excursions in Whetley territory, all to no avail, the defence was solid. Gaining good possession in mid field Keighley chose to kick rather than using the overlap that they had created on the right, the kick was charged down, all the Keighley backs were set up for an attacking play which gave Whetley's powerful number eight Gareth Burns the opportunity to score under the posts, converted by Woodcock.

Keighley raised their game and attacked at every opportunity, especially through centres Scott Dyson and Ben Blackwell. However, the home defence snuffed out any realistic hope of a score. Regaining the initiative Wheatley Hills prompted by ex - England player coach David Scully moved the ball well, a penalty kick gave them a good lineout position in Keighley's five metre area. After some stalwart defence the Wheatley pack eventually managed to power over the try line, Burns claiming the touchdown, once again Woodcock who certainly had his kicking boots on landed the difficult conversion. As the half time break approached Keighley had just rewards for their efforts with a penalty from Alex Brown.

In the second half Keighley battled well for the majority of the half, and had two distinct chances to score, after some fine charging runs from their second row Ashley Waligura, but once again last ditch defence held them out.

In the final ten minutes of the game with Keighley feeling the strain Wheatley Hills cut loose leading to tries for both wingers and hooker Mark Cahill, all of which were converted by Woodcock. In the final minutes number eight Burns capped a fine individual performance with a his third try in the corner.

The result in many respects flatered the hosts, Keighley had given their all and were commited to an expansive game, had they played more conservative rugby the scoreline would have been closer. However, Wheatley hills with their more experienced mature team were always going to win this encounter, and look a very good bet for promotion.

This Saturday another difficult game at home against Sheffield.