Bradford Salem v Keighley U14’s

With pre-season preparation finally over, Keighley travelled to play a very strong Bradford Salem side. We were expecting a very tough physical game from Salem and that’s what we got. Keighley were missing several key players which showed as they had a slow start to their first ever Friday night floodlit game.

Within the first 30 seconds Keighley were reduced to 14 men after influential inside centre, Kristian Bealey-Kay was sin binned harshly for a big tackle on home sides fly half. Salem took full advantage running in 5 first half tries with Keighley very much on the back foot.
After strong words at half time by coaches Andrew and Arco, the Keighley Boys finally arrived and took the game to them with some great carries from the back row trio Max Wild, Charlie Menzies and Ciaran Harrod. The Keighley forwards started to get on top making good yardage. It was only by some courageous home defense, Keighley were kept from crossing the white line. Salem then came back fighting and it was a real test of stamina for a good 15 minutes where both sides attacked and defended.

Strong running from Keighley’s powerful centre, Denon Sokee and scrum half Nathan Pickles unleashing the rest of his backline, the away teams attack became more threatening. Salem dominated the break down and after turn over ball they sent a big bulldozing centre crashing down the wing, bouncing off would be tacklers with ease and scoring in the corner. Keighley still didn’t give up even when they went further behind and actually came back even stronger. Again the trio Sokee, Bealey-Kay and Pickles set the pace for Keighley and began to attack again but were once more turned over at the break down on the home sides try line. From the resulting clearance kick, makeshift winger Logan Hobson-Sheriff, who is normally a hooker, fielded the high ball and danced around 3 onrushing defenders to be dragged down just outside the 22.

Keighley built some solid phases going from left to right and this time Sokee scored an excellent try out in the left corner. Conversion was missed but Keighley pressed on once more on Salem’s 5 metre line and under pressure the home side knocked on as the final whistle blew. Final score 36-5 to a strong Salem side but the score line does not reflect the game, especially the 2nd half. Keighley have to keep their heads high and there were plenty of positives to take from the game. With several players to come back in for the next game, things are looking up for the Keighley U14’s. The team got better as the game went on and played with lots of heart, making both coaches and parents proud. Man of the match Denon Sokee.