Keighley RUFC V Pontefract RUFC
Pontefract were travellers to Keighley this weekend to play a fixture which was cancelled from December. Pontefract are currently lying third in the table with Keighley in second but with a few games in hand. Pontefract were going into this game in good form, winning the last 7 games and remaining unbeaten in 2016.
Keighley won the toss and decided to play downhill in the first half with Ponte receiving the kick off. Straight away the back row combination of debutant Frank Cartwright and Jonny Burrows were chopping the opponents down not allowing Keighley to make any ground. Glen Boyd ‘s kicking game was particularly on point in the first half, keeping Keighley locked in their own half for much of the opening 20 mins. When Keighley broke the line a penalty was given away by Pontefract resulting in Keighley kicking 3 points to take the lead. Pontefract were able to keep most of the play in Keighley’s half due to Glen Boyd and his right boot. The consistent carries from Matt Williams, Frank Cartwright and Jonny burrows led the backs to have several fast pace attacks which ultimately fell short of the line, with Stu Sanderson consistently breaking the line. Ultimately the pressure continued resulting in a Jonny Burrow breaking the line from a short ball from Josh walker, to then off load to Captain Craig Fawcett for him to race to the line for the first score of the game, which was then converted by Glen Boyd. Ponte were putting Keighley under consistent pressure but were not able to add more scores to , Half time 7-3 to Pontefract.

Keighley came out of the second half a different team, much more composed and determined. It was their turn for there 10 to play the kicking game and keep Ponte locked in their own half. The scrums which Ponte had held for the first half proved too strong and a few penalties came off the back of Ponte being pushed back in the scrum. Ponte managed off the Keighley attack for the first part of the second half with good one on one tackling from Jonny Hill, Richard Dedicoat and Christopher Sant. The Keighley pressure proved too much and scored their first try through some strong forward running. The pack and backs defended well but again the forwards running proved too much and another converted try was scored. More good breaks from Stewart Sanderson and Josh Beecher were hacked down and possession lost. Nearing the end of the game, Keighley charged down a kick from Ponte 5m resulting in the final play of the game, all in all the better team got the points on the day. Keighley will be back at Ponte in a few weeks time for the return fixture.
Game finshed

Keighley RUFC 24-7 Pontefract RUFC