Milford Storm 14 Keighley Albion Cats 24 - Keighley Albion Cats produced perhaps their finest performance of the season to keep alive their hopes of a place in next season's Premier Division.

There had been only two points between the teams earlier in the season when the Cats won their home fixture and for much of this match things were just as close.

Playing up the hill in the first half Keighley piled on a lot of pressure but were unable to break down a resolute defence until Tracy Lynch somehow wriggled over from close range, skipper Laura Ackroyd adding on the extras. However Milford soon came back at Keighley and scored an unconverted try.

Keighley then went further ahead after a thrilling 40-metre break by Sarah Cartwright ended with her touching down unopposed under the sticks. Ackroyd, again adding on the extras. Back came Milford and scored another unconverted try.

Right on half time, against the run of play, Milford scored a converted try by Keighley's posts to take the lead for the first time.

The second half began with Milford determined to take the game away from Keighley but such was the strength of the Cats defence that their line never looked like being breached. However Keighley still needed a score and time was running out.

Ackroyd ran the ball on the last tackle, opened a gap and Joanna Will raced from half way for a crucial score. Although unable to add on the extras a Milford infringement in front of the posts enabled Ackroyd to extend the Cats lead.

As in last week's game, Laura Ackroyd scored a clinching try in the last minute to make the game safe. The final conversion being an added bonus.

In a game where anyone could have won the player of the match award the referee adjudged Janice Shackleton to be the recipient for a tremendous tackling display.

This Sunday the Cats entertain Birkenshaw when a victory would ensure promotion.

n Keighley Albion Cats girls section were in action again last week at a sevens tournament held in Wakefield.

Once again the team gave a very good account of themselves against more experienced opposition. The Under-13's cheered on by a large contingent of enthusiastic parents beat Pendle 30-10, Crofton 16-10 and lost to Castleford 6-26 and Rochdale 6-18. Keighley's tries were scored by Laura Moore (4), Amy Wroot (2) and Emma Templeton (2) with Kim Riley and Sarah Wilson scoring one each. Amy also kicked four goals with Laura and Emma contributing two each and Kayleigh Andrews kicking the final goal.

Laura Moore deservedly won Keighley's player of the tournament medal.

In the same event the Cats Under-15's squad made their first ever appearance and although they did not win a game in the three-team tournament they improved steadily with every match and are sure to get better with more experience.

Helen Sheffield and Christina Whitaker scored the Cats tries and skipper Naomi Foster kicked their solitary goal. Naomi just edged out Emma Powney as Cats player of the tournament.

Cats player Christina Whitaker has been selected for the Yorkshire Under-16's county squad which is to play Lancashire in a curtain raiser at Cougar Park on April 16. Christina who is from Cullingworth only attended her first Keighley Cats training session last week so to be selected so soon is a tremendous achievement.

The next girls training session, again being run by Cougars Matt Foster and Jason Ramshaw, will be at Oakbank School on Friday April 7 at 5pm.

Further information is available from Andy MacDonald on 634544.

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