Sunday 10th February 2002
Women's Challenge Cup – Quarter Final
CASTLEFORD PANTHERS  14 KEIGHLEY ALBION CATS 28

Keighley Albion Cats progressed through to the semi finals of the Challenge Cup with a hard fought victory over old rivals Castleford.

The Panthers kicked off on a pitch that was in remarkable condition given the incessant rain of the previous 72 hours. On their first set of six Keighley made good progress into the Castleford half but were unable to threaten the line. In contrast Castleford struggled to gain any significant inroads into Keighley territory. This set the pattern for the early exchanges and it was no surprise when after a spell of pressure  Gemma Liddon finished off an incisive move to open the Cats account. Laura Ackroyd adding on the extras.

Then, somewhat against the run of play, Castleford worked an opening on the left to score an unconverted try. The game then stagnated for a while in the middle of the park until Saima Hussein picked up from a play the ball and raced around the outside of the Panthers defence for a thrilling solo try, Ackroyd again adding on the extras. 

Again Castleford fought back and with the referee twice penalising Keighley for infringements they were able to progress all the way upfield. From a tap penalty awarded right on the Keighley line they were able to force their way over for a try. This time the conversion was successful and Castleford were right back in it at 10 points to 12.

However the Cats dominated the remainder of the half and further tries came from Jodie Billing and Hussein, with a carbon copy of her first. With Ackroyd adding on a conversion to Billing’s try the Cats turned around 22 points to 10 ahead.

The second half was a fairly dour affair with deteriorating conditions not helping the flow of rugby. Play seemed to be trapped in midfield for much of the half with defences well on top. But with their one really threatening attack of the half Keighley seemingly sewed up the game with a Jodee Loader try converted by Ackroyd.

Then the Cats then took their foot off the gas and had to endure a worrying last 10 minutes as Castleford finished with a flourish, scoring one try and threatening another couple of times. Nevertheless with Loader marshalling the defence to good effect the Cats held out to take their place in the semis for the second year running. Ackroyd narrowly took the player of the match award from Loader.

This week the Cats return to league action with a home match against Birkenshaw.
Andy MacDonald

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