Richard League powers into the pack

Keighley Crusaders 7, West Park Bramhope 13 - A combination of ill discipline, bad luck and poor finishing combined to deny Crusaders the victory they deserved in their non-league match against Bramhope, currently a division higher.

A comedy of defensive errors allowed West Park to take an early lead. Several times Crusaders failed to clear their line and ultimately the Visitors No. 7 Openshaw was driven over for a try that was well converted by scrum half Ingram.

From then on Keighley held territorial advantage for most of the first half. Following good work by forwards Richard Leach and Paul Sinfield they camped on the West Park line for some ten minutes without reward.

Several times individual efforts by forwards were repelled as Keighley's pack failed to get enough bodies behind the ball carriers and when a change of tactics saw the ball given to the backs James Kubran, playing on the wing instead of his normal position of scrum half, was bundled into touch almost on the line.

Two missed penalty goal attempts by Gary Davey added to the Crusaders frustration which was further manifested by the dismissal to the sin bin of Richard Leach for a half hearted punching offence.

Crusaders continued to dictate matters in the second half and were rewarded by a find try by 17 year old Nigel Curr, making his debut for the first team. Good work by full back Warren Knowles put the youngster I the clear and out outpaced the cover on a 50 meter sprint to the line. Davey's excellent conversion from near touch tied the scores and should have provided the foundation for victory.

Skipper Simon Atkin became Keighley's second offender to spend time in the sin bin this time for a high tackle and the depleted pack for a while allowed West Park to take the initiative. Ingram landed two penalty goals against the run of play and in spite of the laudable efforts of forwards Mark Lister, David Pullen and Paul Sinfield in particular Crusaders were unable to grab the score they deserved.

It was, however, a gritty performance in difficult conditions. The presence of former Keighley Albion favourite Paul Sinfield stiffened the pack and there were encouraging displays by Colts Nigel Curr, Lee Sugden and Morgan Bailey.

The blend of youth and experience will eventually pay dividends and with morale still high there is time to turn the season round.