Keighley u14s v Skipton u14s

Still looking for their first win of the season, Keighley welcomed local rivals Skipton.

Skipton kicked off with the ball falling nicely to full back Joe Robinson who did his trademark bulldozing run down the left wing eventually stopped by a cover tackle from their fullback. Keighley were in control of the game at this point using big ball carrying forwards to get on the front foot. From a scrum in the centre of the pitch the ball was shipped wide to winger Bradley Powell, who unfortunately was unable to latch on to his own kick. Skipton came back in to the game with their centre hitting a great line to charge down the pitch. Scrum half Arran Hands tracked but couldn’t prevent him scoring. Keighley fought back with Charlie Menzies carrying well and making hard yards. The ball was released to the lively Kristian Bealey-Kay, who in turn spread the ball to ouside centre Denon Sokee to score in the left corner. A tricky conversion was missed.

Keighley were on the front foot and playing good attacking rugby and it wasn’t long before captain and inside centre Nathan Pickles did a trademark show to score by the posts, successfully converted by Charlie Menzies. Skipton to their credit fought back and scored after a fluffed attack by Keighley.

Keighley were then awarded a penalty just inside the Skipton 10m line and Pickles pointed to the sticks for Menzies to strike but it unfortunately fell just short. Keighley’s defence switched off allowing Skipton’s centre to again run a storming 90m to score under the posts. Conversion was missed.

Keighley came back strong with the forwards making good yards through flanker Toby Stephens and second row Lucas Keslinke. There was solid rucking by props Johnny Atherton and Sam Mortimer. Sokee scored his second try under the posts which was again converted by Menzies. With an exciting end to the first half Skipton scored with the final play, which was unconverted. HT score Keighley 19 Skipton 20.

Keighley started the second half in control and could have had more points on the board but for some costly handling errors. Skipton’s defence held for the first 15 minutes but their resilience was soon to be tested after two big carries from Connor Pennington and Joe Robinson, the ball was shipped out to flanker Toby Stephens who drew the last man and put in Nathan Pickles for his second. Converted by Charlie Menzies it was now 26-20 to Keighley. Max Wild then made a great break down the centre of the pitch and linked up well Menzies and Pickles. But as the try line beckoned a forward pass was called and a scrum awarded to the away side. Lack of discipline resulted in the ball being handed to Keighley and a penalty awarded. Pickles again selected a shot at goal and this time Robinson stepped up and slotted his first points for Keighley. The home side was now leading 29-20 with 5 minutes left on the clock. Sadly at this point a Skipton player was injured after a ruck and an ambulance was required and it was agreed to end the game at this point. Thankfully the player has since made a good recovery.

This was by far Keighley’s best performance of the season. Special mention to Max Duncan who made his debut for the club having a great game out of position. Also to Charlie Menzies and Joe Robinson for scoring their first points for the team. Man of the match went to Charlie Menzies and Arran Hands.