The Cats wrapped up their season with
this comprehensive victory over Barrow which assured them of third place in the
Premier Division. After a rest of several weeks the Cats were virtually at full
strength and in confident mood after working on their game plan.
Initially it seemed that it would all be
for nothing as Barrow raced through for a converted try straight from the kick
off. However the Cats settled down and began to complete their sets and with
Sarah Gatenby leading the charge they exerted tremendous pressure on Barrows
defence. Eventually something had to give and an incisive move saw Saima Hussein
in at the corner. The conversion was missed but Keighley were right back in the
game.
Barrow responded with some fine attacks
of their own but apart from occasional surges from Sally Milburn, their Great
Britain loose forward, Keighley were controlling the game. Inevitably another
score came, this time from skipper Laura Ackroyd, who burst through under the
posts. With the conversion added Keighley were in front and soon extended their
lead when Keira Burns burst through for a fine try. Ackroyd converted and
Keighley now lead by 16 points to 6.
However Barrow were still showing plenty
of fight and reduced the deficit with an unconverted try. The Cats response was
immediate, another converted try for Ackroyd. Then Jodee Loader scored the best
try of the game, collecting a Barrow drop out on halfway she ran through the
entire defence to touch down under the sticks. Ackroyd again converting. There
was just time for Saima Hussein to race
up field and score again before the half time hooter. Ackroyds conversion being
the final action of the half.
With match won Keighley relaxed a little
in the second period but were still able to score further converted tries from
Burns and Ackroyd, who completed her hat trick. Barrow did get a consolation
score but Keighley finished well on top.
In what was a fine all round team
performance Louise Clarke, in an unfamiliar hooking role, took the player of the
match award. So the Cats can look forward to a summer break after what, despite
the odd blip, has been a very satisfactory season. Third in the league and a cup
semi final place would have definitely been taken if offered before the
season’s start.
Andy
MacDonald
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