Keighley U13's 12 - 24 Wharfedale

After last weeks 29-0 impressive away win against North Ribblesdale, Keighley were now facing strong opposition from Wharfedale.

Wharfedale were dominant from the start and pinned Keighley in their own half for almost the entire first half. Despite strong tackling from Keighley Wharfedale opened the scoring after eight minutes. Keighley worked hard to respond, but Wharfedale repeatedly turned over ball at the breakdown and scored again just before half-time to lead 0 -12.

Keighley started the second half with determination and worked the ball wide to get close to the Wharfedale try line, but once again the visitors stripped Keighley of the ball and their talented stand-off broke several tackles to sprint clear and score beneath the posts. This set back unsettled Keighley as they attempted to impose their will on the game and get some shape to their game. They moved the ball wide and gained significant ground as their wingers outpaced Wharfedale with Bill Cubitt and Cameron Collinge making good gains.

Wharfedale rallied and scored a well worked try to go 0 -24 ahead. At this stage a team with less character may have capitulated, but Keighley’s team spirit came to the fore and following strong drives from Ryan Vero, Jobe Saint and Louis Holmes Keighley found themselves inches from Wharfedale’s try line enabling Billy Todd to add a further try to last weeks Hat-Trick.

Suddenly Keighley believed in themselves and returned Wharfedale’s restart with vigour, and Elliott Rothery scavenged ball once again at the breakdown to release Keighley’s backline, with Jonny Tanner distributing quick ball where Reece Holmes and Ryan Vero combined to release Vero for a thoroughly deserved try.

Wharfedale were now looking shakey after two tries in 90 seconds, but time was up before Keighley could score again.