Moortown 65

Keighley 21

A RESOUNDING victory for Yorkshire Division One leaders Moortown against a much-depleted Keighley, who gave all they had, and were competitive up until the last 10 minutes of the game.

With six teenagers in the squad, four of which were in the pack, it was always going to be an uphill struggle against forwards at least two stone a man heavier.

Keighley started well, intent on taking the game to the opposition through short well supported drives.

Unfortunately, after 10 minutes of accurate play, they lost possession at a breakdown and quick hands gave Moortown prop Tom Nixon the chance to score wide out.

The Keighley pack, with their youngsters Tom Wilson and Ethan Lawrie ably led by Shaun Minikin performing well, managed to drive play upfield before releasing the ball to marauding full-back Joe Copperwaite, who found outside half Rich Tillotson in support.

A perfectly-timed pass gave strong centre Sean Kelly a well-taken try, converted by Copperwaite.

Moortown stung into action gained good field position and although unable to break down the stonewall defence in the middle of the field forced space on the outside leading to two quick tries, from full-back Mark Greenwood and speedy winger Tom Moorby. A little later Crossland added to his scoring tally with a converted try.

Keighley, when they got possession, used it well. Scrum-half Lucas Uren, who was enjoying the physicality of the game, kept the opposition back row busy, which gave powerful centres Horsfall and Kelly the opportunity to run hard at their opposite numbers causing a number of problems.

Eventually the direct approach gave outside half Rich Tillotson some space and a well-deserved try, converted by Copperwaite.

In the second half Moortown capitalised on some loose kicking when winger Luckas Sableman raced in at the corner.

Keighley, with nothing to lose, kept up their open style of play and spent some time in the opposition 22-metre area.

Moortown's defence was strong and managed to keep them out. Eventually a short ball to centre Adam Horsfall at pace and a well-deserved try in the corner. Copperwaite added the difficult conversion.

In the last 15 minutes of the game Keighley ran out of steam and were overpowered, leading to Moortown scoring six tries and three conversions.

Although Moortown are a good side used to winning, for three quarters of the game they were forced to work hard for every point.

Keighley played well and showed a great deal of character. In many respects, result apart, it was a perfect opportunity for their youngsters to test their mettle against the best in the league. They did really well and all of them should have a promising future.