Keighley Academy travelled to to neighbours Wharfedale with only 16 players.

Keighley Academy travelled to to neighbours Wharfedale with only 16 players.

Mixing a fine blend of youth and experience , on paper this looked a tough fixture. After only 5 minutes Pete Britland raced in from 30 yards out and converted his own try, account opened 7 nil . Wharfedale hit back after a short stint of possession with a short range try , well converted to make it all square. On 22 mins Mick Phillips steadied the ship with his first of the afternoon to make it 12-7. After a further 10 minutes Pete Britland made it 2 tries after wreaking havoc within the Dale defence , showing great speed and agility. Mick Phillips conversion made it 19-7. On the stroke of half time Keighley took advantage of some sloppy handling with a clever chip through which Ross Lacey won the foot race to score, the missed conversion attempt made the half time score 24-7.

The second half saw Dale camped inside Keighley's half for a full 10 minutes, add to this some poor discipline from Keighley and one or two dubious decisions from the official , Dale eventually scored with another close range effort , conversion added 24-14 GAME ON ?? . On 62 minutes Mick Phillips collected a lovely kick through from Pete Britland to make it 29-14. keighley wewre now looking dangerous on every attack underlined by Pete Britland claiming his hattrick on 67 mins with a pacey effort that left the defence trailing in his wake 34-14. Phillips obliging with the extras 36-14. Olek Pala marked an impressive debut with his debut try racing in under the posts to make it 41-14. 4 minutes from time Dale capitalised on a keighley handling error to score a consolation try and goal making the final score 41-21. So many positives came out of this game , especially all the young lads who turned out , they handled everything that was thrown at them from an older and more experienced team ,and deserved a massive pat on the back. A joy to watch ... well done lads

Report By Andy Stell