Old Rishworthians 33 - Keighley 5

Old Rishworthians vs Keighley

Before we all focus on the final score, it’s clear that the final score is not a fair reflection on the game.

At half time Rish were only 5-0 in front.

At the 50th minute of the game Rish were only 12 – 5 in front.

We should also consider that Keighley were only able to travel with a squad of 16, one sub. Old Rish managed to bring a squad of 26 to the game.

Our squad played one of the hardest games of the season. From the kick off, it was clear that Rish would focus on using their bigger squad to gain ground before releasing the ball to their, equally large, backs.

Keighley defended with passion. A full team effort to keep Rish away from the line until the 23rd minute of the first half. Our tackling wasn’t text book, but it was effective. The best part of the first half was hearing the team working together to stop the Rish attacking play. The try finally coming for Rish in the far corner from their wing.

Keighley didn’t drop their heads. They continued to defend through to the end of the first half. Several kicks to clear the lines were effective, we could have gained more of an advantage if we had managed to follow up the kick as the Rish full back tended to be isolated, but had time to gain support by the time we arrived in numbers.

The second half started with the similar action to the first half. Rish were on the attack to but unable to break the Keighley defense. Only after 10 minutes Rish were able to create sufficient space to allow a the second try to be scored.

The following kick off saw Keighley more determined to switch the focus of play. The forwards began to win more ball, the backs were holding the ball longer and we advanced in to the Rish half. A kick in to touch, on the Rish 5 metre line bringing the opportunity to add the points. Keighley stole the ball from the Rish throw in and the forwards piled in to drive over the line for a well-deserved try.

The final 10 minutes saw the Keighley squad down on energy and Rish replenished with further subs. 3 consecutive tries in the final 10 minutes drove the score further away from a more balanced match that our Keighley squad should be proud of achieving.
The following is the match summary:

First Half:

21:00 Old Rish score a try.
21:00 Old Rish conversion missed
Old Rish 5 – Keighley 0

Second Half:
39:00 Old Rish score a try.
39:00 Old Rish convert the try.
Old Rish 12 – Keighley 0

48:00 Jordan Yaxley scores a try for Keighley.
48:00 Ryan Gibson missed the conversion.
Old Rish 12 – Keighley 5

50:00 Old Rish score a try.
50:00 Old Rish convert the try.
Old Rish 19 – Keighley 5

56:00 Old Rish score a try.
56:00 Old Rish convert the try.
Old Rish 26 – Keighley 5

59:00 Old Rish score a try.
59:00 Old Rish convert the try.
Old Rish 33 – Keighley 5.

Match Honours:

Man of the Match – Jack Wild
Voted by the ref for the level of commitment around the game for the full match. Constantly in the areas of action and challenging the Rish forwards at the breakdown.

Coaches – Joel Crummack
A dedicated performance. Strong defending and always willing to be the first man to step forward and gain ground. An example for the whole team.
Top Tackler was not awarded this week.

Areas for development are the tackling, fitness and keeping our positive attitude for the full 60 minutes.