Acklam 6

Keighley 25

Keighley visited uncharted territory at Middlesborough based Acklam in their Yorkshire Shield second round tie. Holiday commitments robbed them of a handful of first choice players, mainly in the backs, but nonetheless they were able to coast though the game without ever being seriously extended.

A first minute penalty goal by stand off Richard Cavender set them on their way and, with their pack soon establishing the order of affairs, the home side spent most of a dour match on the back foot.

The cold, damp conditions conspired against attempts at expansive rugby on an uneven and sloping pitch, and predictably Keighley's strategy was based upon forward domination. This was primarily achieved through the experienced front row of Rob Riley, Dave Pullen and Paul Sinfield who constantly outplayed their opponents in the scrummages, whilst marauding wing forwards Lee Gordon and Morgan Bailey never allowed Acklam time to settle.

Surprisingly Keighley's first try came from a rare back movement, Cavender's long miss pass allowing centre Nigel Curr to break strongly before releasing wingman Chris Watts whose pace brought him a well taken score converted by Cavender.

Danny Ashton's penalty goal gave Acklam their first points, but Cavender soon replied with a similar effort. The home side's few excursions into the Keighley half however, came from speculative kicks ahead which were easily dealt with by veteran full back Warren Knowles, recalled from pasture in the "A" team for a rare senior outing, which he categorically declares will be his last. It was fitting that mid way through the second half this loyal and talented servant of the club should be replaced by 18 year old Michael Hebden. If the young pretender represents his club with similar distinction he will have much to be proud of.

An excellent try by Lee Gordon stretched Keighley's first half lead, No.8 Pete Schofield picking up from a scrum to feed Watts whose pass to the supporting flanker allowed him to charge over from 25 metres. Watts was soon in action again when his touchline run was halted almost at the line, but Keighley's interval advantage of 18 points to 3 was always likely to be decisive.

The Utley men eased off in the second half, but not before good work by centre Tim Marlow and wingman James Tillotson opened the way for Curr to burst over for a simple try, converted by Cavender. Acklam responded with a second penalty goal by Ashton, but had neither the heart nor the ammunition to mount any realistic late challenge as the game dragged to its predictable conclusion.

Round three brings Keighley a home tie, probably on the 16th April, against Yarnbury. In the meantime, there is more league action on Saturday when they visit old rivals Old Crossleyans.