Jon Gwilliam in action
New Earswick 6, Keighley Albion 28 - Albion put defeats in their last two games behind them with a scintillating display of open rugby against York's New Earswick club.
They showed their determination early in the game with Albion's defence holding firm against the All Blacks' first attack. Defence was turned into attack and the home side were caught offside, Dean Brookes kicking the goal to give Albion an early lead.
As the visitors' confidence rose with every attack the All Blacks defence was always under pressure. Debutant Dave Sanderson and full back Neil Jordan made light of the home side's attempts to kick out of trouble, hitting back with good yards on every occasion.
They helped set up Albion's attacking force which was well marshalled by Jon Gwilliam and a good break saw Dean Brookes hand on to Craig Morphett who pounced near the posts. The goal kick went wide but Albion had increased their lead to six points.
As the home side attacked the Keighley defence was strong, and again some good open play saw Paul Fryers put teenage centre Chris Atkins into space. The youngster drew the full back before passing to Simon Marsden who went in for an excellent try. Again the goal was missed but Albion fled 10-0 after 23 minutes.
Dave Carling kicked a penalty to put his team on the score sheet, but in the last few minutes of the half, the Keighley side struck again when Gwilliam sent a long pass out to Neil Jordan who sliced through the home defence to score. Paul Fryers added the goal to put Albion further ahead. As the half time whistle blew with the score 16-2 Albion's fast flowing open play had kept the All Blacks down to a solitary penalty goal with Gwilliam and Brookes setting up most of Albions attacks.
They were straight back into the attack following the restart and a good run from Dave Sanderson took play into the All Blacks 22 area and from the play the ball the alert Rob Haughey dived in for a try.
The York side seemed a spent force and Albion's defence, led by captain Craig Morphett, kept them out. In the next set of plays a mix up in the All Blacks line saw Gwilliam drop on the loose ball and following a quick play the ball Brookes fed Andy Parker whose diagonal run outpaced the defence for an opportunist try, Paul Fryers adding the extras.
The All Blacks player coach Mick McTigue was at the heart of his team's attacks. A speculative kick through caught Albion napping and All Black sub Steve Harris stormed over from close range.
Albion had the last say with a high kick and chase on the last tackle by Dave Sanderson. The All Blacks defence was at sixes and sevens as they dropped the ball but they complained too long and the ref penalized them for back-chat. Paul Fryers converted to put Albion out of the home side's reach at 28-6.
Albion's Man of the Match Mick McTigue to the fore and the attacking play had been a revelation with Man of the Match Gwilliam prompting and probing in attack, in defence Craig Morphett had led by example. Chris Atkins and Dave Sanderson played their part in a great team display that rewarded them with their biggest win of the season so far.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Albion entertain National Conference new boys Thatto Heath Crusaders who are undefeated. The match kicks off at 2-30pm at Crossflatts.
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