Close Loss to Crocs

Old Crossleyans v Keighley
Sunday 14 February 2016

Keighley arrived at Old Crocs determined to put the previous loss to Crocs behind them; they knew that they did not do themselves justice in the first game of the season back in September.
First Half
The game started evenly, both teams tackling the ball carrier fairly well and competing at the breakdown. Space was a t a premium, both teams would have to work hard for possession and territory. Crocs had a scrum inside their own half, Keighley took command, the ball got stuck; result was therefore a reset scrum with Keighley put in. The ball was duly hooked back and passed clear. From the second phase Leon Hobson-Sheriff was released to cut a hard arching run through the Crocs defence to the try line, breaking a couple of tackles in the process. The kick wasn't converted, (Crocs - 0 : Keighley - 5).
The restart was kicked deep into Keighley's half where the catcher knocked on! Scrum with Crocs put in. Crocs scored from second phase after a missed tackle by a Keighley defender and the kick was missed (5-5).
Crocs had possession in Keighley's half and played right where Jack Rodbourne made a heavy tackle on the ball carrier, Oli Brown was straight into jackle for the ball (just like the Aussie back row Michael Hooper). The Crocs player held onto the ball instead of releasing; penalty! The kick didn't find touch which gave Crocs possession and a chance to counter attack, which they did. From a resulting ruck which Keighley defended on the open side; the Crocs centre ran great "J" run on the blind side where Keighley had no guard making thirty metres. The covering defence could not get across fast enough to assist the full back prevent the score; kick missed, (10-5).
Another try was scored by Crocs late in the first half, which was disappointing. The ball was lost quickly after another jackle turnover by Oli Brown and another missed tackle. (First Half 15-5). Frustrating!
Keighley dominated the break down in both attack and defence and were aggressive in their tackling. It was obvious that Crocs wanted to throw the ball about to create space for their strike runners but The Keighley defence was much more committed than the last time the sides met. Individual errors cost Keighley 10 points in the first half; but the team were determined to pull together to get the second half under way.

Second Half
Keighley went a further try behind after losing their scrum, Crocs attacked the blind side to score, kick missed. (20-5).
Keighley continued their aggressive approach to the tackle and breakdown area which gave their scrum half a chance to have clean ball to play with. Keighley's discipline was tested throughout the second half with several infringements from Crocs players bringing rebukes from the referee. From another infringement on the Crocs 22, Scott Thornton took a run at the defence, taking the two defenders backwards. The ruck was set, Aaron Wilson at scrum half popped the ball to Jack Rodbourne who charged over from five metres, taking the remaining defenders with him. Lennon added the conversion, (20-12).
Another lapse in concentration gave possession away, a loose exit kick after a line out caught the Keighley defence out of position. The Crocs loud scrum half needed no further invitation to accelerate through to the Keighley try line, conversion scored, (27-12). In previous games, these setbacks may have taken the wind from our lads sails; not this week. The forwards put every effort in for the Badge. Keighley enjoyed plenty of possession, managing to set up several phases of play and getting the ball through the hands of the backs, real rugby! The crowd were enjoying the game. Keighley continued to press, testing the mental fortitude of the Crocs defence, which lapsed a couple of times. Two Crocs players were shown yellow cards for foul play on Keighley players, a stiff arm and a stray elbow in contact. Keighley continued to do what they turned up to do, play rugby. The pressure was telling on the Crocs team, more mistakes were being made and Keighley took advantage. From a scum inside the Crocs twenty-two, Jack Rodbourne picked up from no.8 to smash over the try line taking three defenders with him, kick missed (27-17). All of the play was now in the Crocs half, their defence was getting tired, the pressure was mounting and another penalty just outside the twenty-two, ten metres in from the right hand touch line. Instead of a one up runner, they decided to spread the attack as we have been practicing in training. The ball was played the full width of the pitch to the left hand side, and back again towards the right. The ball was recycled efficiently giving the defence no time to get back in position. A ruck was formed, Jack decided to pick and go, the try line was beckoning, the Crocs cover defence was closing in. The same result as previously, Jack dived over the line from five metres leaving defenders hanging off him again. Kick missed, (27-22). Oh no; the final whistle; Keighley had run out of time to claw back the final five points.

Crocs knew they had been in a tough game, the better rugby side had lost. This team performance was worth of a win against a good team with some really talented players. Perhaps Crocs under estimated Keighley and expected another easy win; or perhaps Keighley played with real passion and commitment showing the skills that they have been practicing recently.
Although Jack Rodbourne will receive the plaudits for his tries, credit must also go to his fellow Man of the Match Oli Brown who's work at the breakdown was immense.
The whole pack were rightly criticised for their poor efforts against an average Huddersfield side in December, where they surrendered a winning position because of a lack of fitness or desire. Today's performance was the polar opposite. The front row (Nico, Luis, Harvey & Jack) faced up to the Crocs pack, never taking a backward step. The power of the second row (Scott & Joss) kept up the intensity for the full 60 minutes. The back row made life difficult for Crocs at every breakdown, they worked as a really strong unit. Aaron was given more time on the ball as the rucks were cleared properly by the forwards. The runners (Keir & Leon) outside Lennon at stand-off always made the metres in attack and not missing a clear tackle. The wingers (Ben & Ed) held a better position in defence and attacked with pace when the opportunity arrived. Josh at full back is becoming more confident and makes metres when given half a chance.
For the coaches, the most pleasing aspects of this performance is that the decision making is improving. For example running at penalties and using a different point of attack. And also the maturity that the lads showed, even when severely provoked by the Crocs conscious indiscipline, they didn't rise to the bait and kept their cool in a very mature manner.