Old Brodleians 24

Crusaders 8

As so often in the past, the notorious slope at Hipperholme proved to be a major contributory factor in the final result as Crusaders slipped to another crucial league defeat.

Taking full advantage of the pitch and a stiff wind, the Home side ran up a half time lead of 24 points without reply. Notwithstanding an impressive start by Keighley which eventually faded in the face of a three try blight by Brodleians in the space of 15 minutes and way through the first period.

Immediately from the start, however, Crusaders rocked the Home side and quietened their supporters with the ferocity of their forward effort and the inventive running of their backs. Sadly however, they were unable to sustain their form. Brodleians kept their heads and with an increasing share of possession, penned Crusaders in their own half with some judicious kicking by full back Stoyles and stand off Horne.

A penalty goal by No. 8 Ackroyd on 16 minutes was the first nail in Keighley's coffin and this was soon followed by a fine try by wingman Nigel Beverley who finished off a sharp attack starting on the half way line, with Ackroyd converting from the touchline.

Spurred on by their success the lively Home backs grew in confidence, mounting attacks from all parts of the field. Full back Stoyles originated a moved from deep in his own half which led to centre Jason Carroll out pacing the Keighley defence to score and he soon added a second try when he slipped through a diffident defence from a tapped penalty on the Keighley 22 meter line. Both tries were converted by Ackroyd.

Crusaders were encouraged by a penalty goal by Simon Atkin early in the second half, but too many unfortunate errors allowed Brodleians to retain the initiative. An erratic supply of ball prevented stand off Danny McGee from exploiting the slope and wind with his boot, and Keighley too often chose to make progress the hard way against a resolute defence.

Equally Brodleians could make little progress in the face of some keen tackling by Keighley, with youngsters Lee Sugden and No. 8 Andy Bennett catching the eye.

Eventually the deadlock was broken when wingman Matt Gaffney intercepted a stray pass on the Keighley 22 meter line. He was faced with a 70 meter dash to the line with Stoyles his only threat. To his credit the full back's tackle was well timed and solid, but centre Richard Emmott did well to be on hand to pick up the stray ball to score.

With the pack holding up well, there was still the faint chance of victory, but as so often before this season, Crusaders were unable to take the scoring chances on offer. The best of these fell to wingman Nick Wright, who not for the first time on the day, chose to kick ahead in an attacking position rather than rely on his proven skills as an elusive runner.

Time ran out with Crusaders still forcing the pace. It had been an improved performance all round, inspite of the absence of half backs John Harrison and Martin Uren and forwards Paul Sinfield and Mark Lister. They had won the second half points contest, but this was no consolation for a side which has the talent and spirit to do better.