Sheffield Medics 0 Keighley 18

KEIGHLEY were forced to battle hard to subdue a tenacious Sheffield Medics team as they recorded their first Yorkshire Two win of the season.

The first half was very much an arm wrestle with a series of missed opportunities.

Although Keighley had the greater share of possession and territory they were unable to breakdown an excellent defence. The tactics were established early on, the Medics with a lively pack and a slick back division wanted quick ball and the chance to exploit the wide open spaces, in contrast, Keighley wisely opted for a more direct style of play.

They chose to use forward drives followed by direct running from powerful centres Ben Blackwell and Adam Horsfall. Stand-off Rob Wilkinson marshalled his players well, attempting at every opportunity to switch the point of attack, however, the Medics first up tackling was precise and well supported by an excellent back row that competed well at the subsequent breakdown area.

The pressure exerted by the Keighley forwards with big second row Sam Booker to the fore paid dividends and there were a number of try-scoring opportunities, unfortunately they were spoiled by handling errors.

Almost at the stroke of half-time centre Blackwell ended the stalemate, latching onto a quick ball he used his strength to hand off two would be tacklers to score in the corner.

The half-time team talks seemed to work. The medics upped their game and varied their play using a variety of kick chase tactics to get behind the defence.

Keighley countered the threat through good positional play, and there was an obvious improvement in accuracy at the breakdown, with wing forwards Shaun Minikin and Tom Lowther clearing out defenders which allowed number eight Hamish Pratt the opportunity to play a wider game in support of his backs.

After a series of attacks the Medics conceded two penalties which scrum half Alex Brown duly converted. The medics with the game slipping away from them forced their way deep into opposition territory, unusually for them a number of try scoring opportunities went begging through poor handling.

Keighley with the cushion of points expanded their game, outside centre Blackwell cleverly bringing full back Alan Ebbrell into the attack, he made a number of excellent breaks but once again solid defensive work and forced off loads spoiled the opportunity to kill the game off.

The Keighley victory was sealed when a number eight pick up from a scrum was delivered to Alex Brown who cheekily dummied the last defended to score wide out, he also added the difficult conversion.