Sheffield 70 Keighley 10

Although Keighley gained good possession from scrum and lineout, they were imprecise in the loose which gave Sheffield the opportunity to slow possession.

An early penalty from Sheffield’s Mark Ireland started the scoring, a few minutes later an attacking move by Keighley broke down through poor handling; Sheffield took advantage, moving the ball quickly up field and into the hands of speedy winger Alex Hill who scored, converted by Ireland.

Sheffield full of confidence started to control the game, using the outside half and outside centre as the focus of attack they were able to attack from deep and at pace which caused Keighley great difficulties. The pressure told when second rower David Ellis ran in to score under the posts, converted by Ireland.

Keighley battled hard to stay in contention, in the end their efforts were rewarded when quick ball gave prop Slim Sinfield the chance to drive over the line, converted by Alex Brown. Keighley gaining confidence managed a number of good attacking moves instigated by full back Harry Titley and wingers Sam Walker and Adam Sutcliffe. Unfortunately for Keighley influential player Sam Walker was forced to leave the field through injury. Sheffield took full advantage, forcing two penalties which Ireland converted. Almost on the stroke of half time Keighley were dealt a further blow when some good controlled back play gave Alex Hill his second try, once again converted by Ireland

Keighley twenty points adrift started the second half well enough with an early penalty for Alex Brown. Sheffield soon got into their stride. Allowed to play an expansive game through varied angles of attack combined with poor defensive line speed they gained good line out possession in the Keighley twenty two metre area. A rolling maul sucked in the Keighley forwards which allowed Sheffield hooker Carl Mortimer to break free and score, converted by Ireland. Keighley managed to temporarily overcome their difficulties, winger Sutcliffe with a mazy run broke out of defence into Sheffield territory, some good handling gave wing forward Scott Dyson the chance to cross the line, on the point of scoring the ball was knocked from his grasp.

From that point onwards it was one way traffic, although Keighley gained a fair amount of possession it was often too slow which led them to kick it aimlessly up field into the hands of attackers who were able to break free almost at will, leading to five further tries through the threequarters, and four conversions.

Although Sheffield played well and thoroughly deserved their victory, they were given far too much space and time by a substandard Keighley team performance.