Sheffield Medics 0 Keighley 17

An entertaining game of open rugby. Keighley dominated the early stages of the game. Their forwards controlled both scrum and loose play which forced the Medics to opt for an expansive game.

The visitors with a ready supply of ball were drawn into this style of play. Outside half Rob Wilkinson controlled the mid field well, giving his skilled centres Horsfall and McGee plenty of opportunity to run hard at the Medics defence, although they made ground the opposition were used to this style of attack and held firm. Eventually Keighley grew to realise that in many respects they were wasting energy, as a result scrum half David Needham chose the more direct route bringing his hard working forwards onto the ball.

After a mid field arm wrestle Keighley forced a scrum on the opposition five metre line, using their superior strength they drove over the try line, number eight Josh Hannah touching down. Medics responded well, moving the ball through the hands at every opportunity, but they were unable to break through a well organised defence. Towards the end of the half after another forward onslaught Keighley captain Will Armitage crossed wide out.

The second half started well for the medics, they maintained possession and were able to move the Keighley forwards around causing serious problems for their defence. Keighley weathering the early storm regained their composure and began to monopolise possession, using both forwards and backs they took play into the Medic’s territory.

A knock on from a line out led to a Keighley scrum on the five metre line, the pack in total control drove the scrum forward, as they were about to cross the scrum collapsed, the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, which was converted by outside half Rob Wilkinson. Keighley with three tries on the scoreboard were intent on getting a fourth to gain a bonus point.

However, knowing the game was in the bag probably caused them to lose concentration and cohesion, which resulted in at least four scoring opportunities to slip from their grasp. Although they came close on a number of occasions, poor option choices and inaccuracy let them down.