Albion's visitors for their last home Conference game of the season were Normanton Knights who were having a mini revival to win 24-0.

Albion on the other hand were looking for two points to further consolidate their mid-table position.

Work commitments and holidays had left the team with an unbalanced look.

But not down-hearted they set up the first attack of the game and a good passage of play took them into the Knight 22 metre area and only their scrambling defence got them out of trouble as they pushed Gareth Greenbank into touch short of the line. Both teams were trying to play good open rugby and creating chances but bad handling and finishing let them down.

On the 22nd minute following a good kick and chase Knight's Kev Martin fed Juz Fisher who went over for the opening try under the posts, Ian Morse added the goal to give the Knights a 6-0 lead. Albion attacked through Simon Kelk and Aly Feather who was held up short of the line on the last tackle.

Minutes later Albion were made to pay for the miss as attack turned into defence and a great defensive spell saw Albion hold out for 16 tackles in their 22 area only to be caught offside. Ian Morse kicked the penalty goal to put the Knights further in front.

Richard Harrison and sub Craig Livock combined well but were denied a score by the Knights defence. Only 8 points behind at half time Albion had worked hard but to no avail. Half time score Albion 0 points Knights 8.

Playing up the slope in the 2nd period Albion were soon under pressure and a wide ball from Juz Fisher split the Albion defence to send Richard Stead in for a try, Ian Morse adding the goal.

Returning from the bench Gary Boocock set up Glen Palmer who powered his way over the Knight line only to be held on his back. From the scrum Albion coughed up the ball and Jason Timmins went 40 metres to score a good individual try Ian Morse adding the goal to give a score line of Albion 0 points to Knight 20.

Albion were working hard to contain the bigger visiting pack but then a heavy downpour arrived and Albion's Dean Brookes and Simon Marsden left the field of play injured and the Keighley side's task seemed all the harder.

Richard Harrison and Gareth Greenbank were tackling like demons to keep the Knights at bay, Simon Kelk and Aly Feather were trying all the attacking options they knew but it was all over in the 74 th minute when against the run of play Knights winger James Webb dived in for a try in the corner. The goal attempt went wide of the mark but it was still the Knights in front at 0 points to 24.

Albion had a mountainous task to face in the remaing minutes and there would be no reward for the effort but Richard Harrison and Man of the Match Simon Kelk who had given everything possible.hardly deserved to be on the losing side.

Jamie Gunn and Knights Man of the Match Juz Fisher controlled the game for the visitors. After a season that promised so much in the first 14 games it was disappointing way to finish a very hard competitive season of quality Conference Rugby. But with a final score line of 0 points to 24 only the local Tommy Holmes cup remains. Albions thoughts must now be on next season as they re-group and re focus as to what could and could have been.

Albion would like to thank all their sponsors and spectators for their efforts during the season hoping that everyone has a good summer break in preparation for next season's Conference action.

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