Old Rishworthians 48 Keighley 29

The home side were quickly out of the blocks. The use of Ex Keighley Cougars Rugby League man Andy Shickel as a receiver from a line out worked well, he was able to drive play down the middle of the field and draw in defenders, a quick off load, Two passes and an easy try for winger Joe Billing, converted by fellow winger Anthony Shoesmith.

Keighley who were more than holding their own in the forwards responded well, after driving play into the opposition twenty some slick handling gave prop Craig Spencer a chance to run through a gap to score. Rishworthians aware of the strength of the Keighley forwards moved the ball wide at every opportunity racked up the points with tries for winger Shoesmith and props Rawnsley and Ryan Mudd, Shoesmith added two conversions.

In the second half, interplay between forwards and backs gave Rishworthian’s substitute forward Kershaw a simple try under the posts. Good hands in the backs led to a further try for Joe Billing, Shoesmith added both conversions. Keighley at this stage stopped attempting to compete wide out, instead they took the game on up front. A wise move, sustained pressure forced the opposition pack over their try line and a second try for Craig Spencer. They repeated the treatment some minutes later when the pack demolished the host forwards, driving Leigh Sugden over for a well deserved try, converted by Danny McGee.

Rishworthians managed a penalty from Shoesmith. The tail end of the game saw the Keighley forwards once again take control and a try for hooker Will Armitage and a hat trick try for prop Spencer, McGee added the conversion. This week a home fixture against Ripon.