U13 York vs Keighley (Home)

There were a few casualties amongst the parents as well, after the antics of the previous afternoon and evening; our collective thanks once again to Mrs H for allowing us to abuse her hospitality so generously. The consistently inappropriately dressed and under-sized Mr H made a surprising appearance only 15 minutes late, and for the most part appeared to have regained the use of his lower limbs. Still looking a little sheepish of course after a Doorman at one of Yorks finest establishments took umbrage at his offensive yellow laced play-shoes and bandy legged gait, and ejected him from the premises. Rather foolishly the rest of the group decided to vacate as well, rather than leave him out in the cold; if only we’d known then what further embarrassment lay ahead for us. As you will all be aware, one of the most difficult activities in daily life is the tricky sitting down on the chair manoeuvre; sadly Mr H has still to master this, and once again missed the target site, and ended up doing his upended beetle impression on the floor. Mewsey pulled his sleeping whilst upright routine later on, a trick last seen on Tour. Mr Smart looked as though he was getting away scot free with no blemish to his name, but failed to make an appearance this morning to vindicate himself; I’d just like to say that there is no truth in the rumour that Mrs S has made him sit on the naughty step, and that he is grounded for Xmas.

A good attendance by the Keighley supporters, who’d made the long journey northwards to support their lads.

It was decided to play 3 short games, and give the Coaches an opportunity to try some team variations.

First Game

York k/o, and Keighley have a line out at their 10m line, which is won by York though. Keighley looking like a strong side, with some big fast lads; they are working hard and testing York in the early stages of the game. York get the first scrum of the day about half way into their territory; Will S collects the ball from the scrum and makes a great dash to take play past the Keighley 10m line. Keighley get the next scrum and it looks like it’s going to be a good contest between the two packs. Keighley take a penalty and knock it back into the York half, but it’s caught well by Will S. Keighley following up smartly and they set up a good maul half-way into the York half; the Keighley pack working hard and they win another of their scrums, with York looking a little loose and knocking the ball on. Then York win a scrum against the head, and Connor breaks off and runs it 20m back to the Keighley half to relieve some of the pressure; York rucking better now, and providing some better feed for the York Backs. Leo has a run to try and break through, but is stopped, and after a few more probes by the York Backs it’s Andre who finally manages to get through the Keighley defence from about 7m out (5-0); Andre then converts (7-0).

Keighley restart, and still looking determined to even the score up. Tom makes a nice run for 20m to weave the play back beyond the Keighley 10m line. Keighley get a scrum and win it, then kick it deep into York territory. York Backs working the ball well between them. The ball is kicked towards the Keighley corner, and Barney chases after it, but unluckily his foot just contacts touch as he gets to the ball. Play is in the Keighley half, and Ben kicks it over their heads and the ball is chased again around 8m from the Keighley try-line. York scrum 5m out, and it holds well for Connor to come off the back and push through (12-0); no conversion.

Second Game

Keighley kick-off, and looking very determined now in their pack; lots of pressure on York, with play mostly in their territory. The determined effort from Keighley pays off and they open the scoring (0-5); no conversion.

York restart and there is a close battle around the half-way by both sides. York are awarded a penalty and kick it deep into Keighley’s territory. The York line-out is won by Fraser, and he sets up a good maul by the York pack. The York Backs work the ball well between them, gaining ground, and Steele flips it over the last defender’s head for Will K to catch and run it into the corner (5-5); no conversion.

Keighley restart and still look very strong, keeping good pressure on York and play is mainly in York’s half. Keighley awarded a series of scrums and line-outs for their efforts, getting to within 10m of York’s try-line; York defending well though. Finally the ball is cleared, and play moves into the Keighley half; some nice team work by York, interchanging well between themselves. Leo makes the try at the posts to finish it off (10-5); converted by Andre (12-5).

Keighley restart, but it’s carried back into their territory by Leo in a great 30m run; he’s stopped beyond the 10m line though and Keighley defend well, with a couple of scrums at their 22m line. The York line-out working well, with Fraser taking the next one cleanly and pushed through the Keighley line. Ben places a nice kick through, and chases it to 5m from the Keighley try-line; unfortunately York infringe and Keighley clear it from the penalty. York are straight back through win their own scrum on the Keighley 22m line, then work the ball nicely along the Backs, but can’t score.

Third Game

York k/o the final short game, and once again it’s a closely fought contest around the half-way line, with both teams battling hard and looking for the breakthrough. Nice run by Barney, but stopped before he can get through. Play more down in the last 20m of Keighley territory now, with York working hard, but Keighley defending strongly as well. York Backs linking some great moves and passes between them as they take the ball out wide, over the last defenders head and Samuel makes the final move over the line (5-0); Connor converts (7-0).

Keighley restart and working hard to get the score back level; they press hard and get the ball beyond the York try-line, but it’s judged to be held-up. The Keighley scrum at 5m is won by them, but then they knock-on and lose the momentum. Still working hard Keighley, and they win their own line-out at the York 10m line, setting up a great series of moves, cutting across the pitch to run it in at the corner, and score a well-deserved try (7-5); no conversion.

York restart and play is mainly in the Keighley half for the rest of the match. A Keighley line-out is collected by Fraser. Will K nearly runs it through to score in the last play of the match, but is just stopped by the Keighley lads who continue to work hard right to the end.

Congratulations to both sides for a hard fought, well-disciplined, and exciting match, deservedly applauded by all supporters.

Final Scores

Game 1 York 12-0 Keighley
Game 2 York 12-5 Keighley
Game 3 York 7-5 Keighley