Ilkley 2nd 5, Crusaders 2nd XV 34 - Crusaders second string recorded their second win of the holiday period having beaten North Ribblesdale by19-14 on Christmas Monday.

The teams for both games had more than a smattering of youth with players on holiday from college and school, with Jeff Inman having some very attentive faces during his team talks.

But there was a strange look to the team which faced Ilkley. Neil Scott moved from his usual spot at hooker to stand-off, centre Nick Wright and Andrew Tomlinson, usually a backrow forward, found themselves in the second row.

The game started at a fast pace with the ball being thrown about at will be the Keighley side. After a series of good forward drives the ball was moved out to the left win, then the ball was kept moving across the field resulting in an excellent try when Neil Scott fed the ball back inside to supporting prop Tim Pearson who scored on the right. The conversion was missed.

Crusaders were soon on the attack again when good play by Nick Wright gave his partner Rick Emmott the chance to run in for the second try. They then struggled to get the ball for 20 minutes, they broke out of their half just before the break and a strong run by Michael Feather saw him leaving Ilkley players scattered in his wake. When the ball was released to the backs Rick Emmott scored his second try with some ease, John Finn converted.

An early score settled Crusaders after the break with Inman giving the final pass to Feather who crashed over. The attacking Keighley outfit started to play a Sevens-style game, but the Ilkley left wing man intercepted an ran 50-yards to score. Inman settled his troops into a more structured style of play and driving runs by Feather, Tomlinson and Leigh Sugden soon put Keighley back on the attack and Colts hooker Andrew Foster broke 20-yards to score in the corner.

Crusaders were in control again and Ian Woodwiss, another Colt playing at scrumhalf put in two good clearance kicks. From another rampaging run Feather broke to score near the posts, Finn converting. Keighley had not finished an Wright looked to have put Emmott clear, but the weight of Christmas pudding was too much over 40 yards and he was caught on the line.

The Keighley side was particularly pleased with the way the young pretenders showed real promise which can only improve as long as older players continue to give them their support.

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