Keighley U11's 55 - Baildon U11's 15

Another cold day in Baildon (Is there any other kind?) and the team were ready to play against last weeks festival hosts. After a victory last week Keighley were feeling confident, but aware that Baildon would be looking for revenge. The coaches gave the team talk but at game time it was down to the squad. Could they manage another win?

Keighley won the coin toss and opted to receive. Baildon kicked the ball into play but unfortunately for them it landed straight into James' arms and he proceeded to skip his way through the Baildon defence to score in the corner. As Baildon heads went down Keighleys went up and the side proceeded to show us how far they have come from last season. New recruit Dylan showed us yet again what an asset he is when he delivered a crunching tackle to a Baildon forward and turned the ball over allowing James to score another try.

Following a number of strong attacking phases by Keighley, Baildon battled back but they couldn't prevent a quick pick up from Miriam who scored in the corner.

3 tries down and Baildon shaped up. A (debateable) high tackle from Keighley awarded the scrum to Baildon and despite great defence from Brody and Maddie the opposistion used this opportunity to score their first try.

The under 11's came back with a vengence, some great rucking from Michael and Josh enabled union first timer Finley to score his first try for Keighley. Whilst we were still celebrating Baildon kicked the ball to gain ground and managed to sneak the ball over the tryline to score their second try of the match.

Five minutes to half time and the score was 20 - 10. A bit too close for comfort for Keighley and they knew they had to maintain their defense. An overeager tackle by Keighley was deemed high and the scrum was awarded to Baildon who won the ball. An amazing textbook tackle by Maddie won us the ball back but great rucking by Baildon led them to take the ball and score a third try.

The second half was dominated by Keighley with their line speed and defense proving too much for Baildon. Brody, Bob and Noel racing up and shutting them down before they could get going, forced them back and meant they were unable to make ground. The defensive efforts shown by Louie, Bob, Michael and Mimi were outstanding and it's worth noting that Keighley really focused, fought hard and never lost a ruck in the second half. Fantastic tackling by Noel, Brody and Jacob enabled Josh, James, Adam and Dylan onto the score sheet.

The moves worked on recently in training were being put into practice on the pitch, stringing passes together to beat players and the team were really now acting as a unit and playing well together. This was a great match to watch and enjoyment for the game really showed on the players faces. Well done all.

A good team turnout and new more new faces joining, the squad is growing and strengthening

Coaches Award: Dylan
Parents Award: James
Magic Moment: Josh
Most Improved: Michael