Keighley got off to a good start against a strong Yarnbury side when Ryan Vero broke several tackles to score after three minutes, with Bradley Akrigg adding the conversion. Yarnbury competed hard from the restart and put Keighley under intense pressure, and despite determined tackling from Keighley they retained possession and forced over from close range for a converted try.

Keighley returned the favour from their restart with Cameron McIntyre and Lewis Grey pinning Yarnbury deep in their half, Keighley won possession at the maul after good work from Jobe Saint and Bill Todd forced over for the try, which Akrigg converted. Yarnbury kicked deep again, but Keighleys backs combined well with Grey and then Phoebe Welch gaining good ground, before Keighleys energetic forwards won quick ball to send Vero clear to burst through several tackles to score, however Akrigg missed the conversion.

Yarnbury rallied to score a converted try in open play allowing their full back in at the corner, and the teams turned round at half time with Keighley leading 19-14.

The second half started with both teams giving no quarter, with ferocious tackling and strong rucking and mauling from both sides with Cameron Collinge, Akrigg, Saint & Todd working very hard, ably assisted by Vero who intelligently scavenged loose ball to then drive forward keeping his forwards on the front foot. Lewis Taylor made several darting runs, and Jonny Tanner distributed well at scrum half to launch Keighley’s back line. Welch, Sam Crawley and Sam Cubitt tackled hard and counter attacked when in possession and eventually Akrigg crossed for a try, which he converted.

Ben Farrar gathered Yarnbury’s kick and drew the opposition before releasing Grey & Vero who ran deep into Yarnbury territory before Lewis Grey broke several tackles to score again for Keighley, this was also converted.

Yarnbury scored a further try, but Keighley easily contained the game in the last few minutes to secure a win.

Keighley 19 - Wharfedale 7

Keighley kept their concentration from the Yarnbury game to again score early in this game with McIntyre opening the scoring, but Akrigg was unable to convert.

Wharfedale raised their game and moved the ball wide several times before creating space to score in the corner, they converted to take the lead.

Again a period of strongly competed rucks and mauls followed with both sides fighting for superiority, eventually Keighley broke free through Welch and Crawley, before Vero was stopped short of the line, Todd won the ruck ball, but was also held short of the line before Jobe Saint ripped the ball free and secured the touch down, Akrigg did convert this time.

The second half was placed at pace with both sides making strong tackles to force repeated rucks and mauls. Tanner, Vero, Welch & Grey made many short darting runs, whilst Akrigg, Todd, Taylor and McIntyre tried to find gaps in Wharfedale’s defence.

Wharfedale forced Keighley back to their line and were forced into touch just short of the try line. Keighley won the lineout and Jonny Tanner quickly moved the ball wide to Ryan Vero who burst clear from behind his own try line, Wharfedale almost caught him on half way, but he used his strength and guile to break free and score a spectacular try having run the length of the pitch. Keighley celebrated whilst Akrigg converted the try. Wharfedale tried to respond, but Keighley were determined not to concede and they ran out comfortable winners.

These two matches were impressive performances from the whole team and Keighley can finish the season in style if they continue to play like this.

Match details

Match date

Sun 18 Apr 2010

Kickoff

11:00

Team overview