Keighley Albion Cats 14

Barrow 42

The Cats were given an object lesson in how to compete in the top division when they were turned over by a better organised Barrow side.

The Cumbrian side were rewarded with two tries in the first 10 minutes and further pressure created another try after 30 minutes.

Belatedly Albion started to come into contention. Laura Ackroyd released Sarah Cartwright who was held just short. The ball shot out to Tracey Lynch who dived over from close range. The conversion attempt drifted wide but the Cats were back in the game.

The revival did not last long, lacklustre defence gifted Barrow another try and shortly before half-time excellent support play saw take 26-4 lead.

Players such as prop Angie Pickard, full back Alex Knight and centre Saima Hussain never stopped running but the Keighley attack did not dominate as it should.

The visitors created two more tries before Albion were rewarded when Laura Ackroyd dived over and added the conversion.

Barrow hit back straight away with a converted try though the Keighley side had the last word when slick handling saw Keira Burns go close and then slip out a pass to the supporting Laura Ackroyd.

All in all this is a game that the Cats would rather forget. Only Saima Hussain, Angie Pickard and Lisa Fisher can take any credit for their non-stop effort.

Next week Albion travel to Milford who were also promoted last season and offer the Keighley side an opportunity to redeem themselves.