West Leeds 15 Keighley 3

The rugby matched the weather conditions, gloomy. Both teams were very average at best. Keighley without a recognised scrum half were always going to find the going difficult, and so it proved to be. West Leeds were quickly into the game, exerting pressure at every opportunity on the strangely lethargic Keighley forwards.

The home teams dominance in the scrum and lineout kept Keighley’s attacking opportunities to a minimum. Using an intelligent kicking game West Leeds took play deep into Keighley territory, at a five metre scrum they kept the visitor’s back row pinned down and moved the ball quickly along the backs. A neat rugby league style grubber kick through gave winger Danny Booth the simplest of tries in the corner.

Keighley responded well with forwards Leigh Sugden and back row Shaun Miniken driving the ball forward they got themselves into good field positions; unfortunately they were unable to turn the pressure into points through poor ball retention and execution of basic skills. Eventually breaking out of defence West Leeds kicked deep, Keighley unable to clear their line were forced to scrummage, the pressure told and once again quick hands along the backs and another try in the corner for winger Booth.

The second half was turgid, most of the play taking place in midfield. Both teams had their moments, but overall the defences ruled. Keighley pressure led to an early penalty for outside half Danny McGee. Although the visitors gained possession and territory, the lack of quick ball meant that the West Leeds defence were able to cope with whatever was thrown at them.

Taking play deep into Leeds territory the Keighley forwards laboured manfully and managed to maul their way over the line for what looked like a perfectly good try, unfortunately the referee was in a poor position and as a result was unable to see the grounding.

Towards the end of the game West Leeds sealed their victory with the final try of the match from winger Jack Marshall.