Keighley U10s 20 Ilkley U10s 10

Keighley staged their first home game in what felt like years, never mind months. They began the game as if they had forgotten where they were, such was the disharmony in their approach. A tentative attitude saw them reluctant to want to get their hands on the ball. This let the visitors dominate and it was clear that Ilkley wanted the win more than the hosts. Breakdowns were being lost time and time again as Keighley simply allowed themselves to be pushed off the ball at the ruck. By driving into mauls they were also failing to present the ball and seeing possession ripped away. It was only resolute defending that saw them maintain a stalemate as time drew on.
It took a push over try from the away side to wake Keighley up. This was something that the team were unused to experiencing, ordinarily being so strong and resolute on their own line.
Bit by bit they clawed their way back into contention. Harvey Kemp made driving forays up the pitch whilst Josh Wisaur showed just how much he is developing as a rugby union player with some fine technical ability. These two, along with hooker Samuel Grant, began to dominate the scrum and lineout too, winning against the head and retaining position through accurate calls. As confidence grew, the passes began to flow and eventually fine interlinking saw a romp down the far touch line by Ellie Kildunne result in yet another try for the flying winger.
With momentum in their favour, Harry Gallagher and Ryan Gibson both got on the score sheet – Gallagher having a fine and mature game in the centres, whilst Gibson worried the defence with his lines of running.
Every team member began to play their part with Reece Butler standing out as a model of consistency and reliability in his handling and direction. Matthew Paul at scrum half distributed well, although the static Keighley line didn’t help gain territory initially. His brother, Robert was robust in every aspect of play whilst Kieran O’Driscoll and William Hancock held firm at the fringes.
Another well worked try by Ryan Gibson relaxed the coaching team before the last play of the game saw a consolation try at the corner for the visitors.