Sunday 13th January 2002
Women's Premier Division
Keighley Albion Cats 28 Castleford Panthers 18

Albion Cats had a dominating first half against a Castleford side but couldn't sustaing the pressure to make it as convincing a win as they deserved.

It set off well for the Cats, Julie Cooper made a difficult catch from the short kick-off and during the set of six Jodee Loader was held just short of the line.  Tracy Lynch took the short pass to stroll over.

Castleford shook the journey out and started to play rugby themselves.  However determined tackling from Angie Pickard and Gemma Liddon ensured the Panthers made no progress.

After 7 minutes Laura Ackroyd kicked deep and assisted by Saima Hussain they made sure that Castleford got nowhere quickly.  From the inevitable lost ball the platform was set for Ackroyd to go over.  She added the conversion to extend the lead to 10 points.

The visitors hit back with some luck going their way.  The kick off caused a knock-on and the resultant scrum set the Panthers up for a try.

Albion didn't waste much time in striking back.  Possession near the line saw Saima Hussain take a drive in and the winger crashed through several tackles to cross the line.

The kick-off lead to some more strong drives downfield and Jodee Loader shot strongly onto the ball to go round and in at the corner.  Castleford hit back after this and scored a try of their own and with the conversion seemed to be coming back at 18-10.

However Saima Hussain and Laura Ackroyd repeated their double act with a kick and chase backed up with resolute tackling.  Again the loose ball came out in Albion's favour and Saima Hussain took advantage by forcing her way over in the corner for the last score of the half.

At this time substitutes Jodie Billing and Sharon Wilmot came on and made their presence felt.  Both made attackers regret running at them with Sharon really making her point.  Both teams turned around with Albion in the ascendancy at 22-10.

Castleford showed their mettle straight from the kick-off forcing a knock on and then a try.  However Tracy Lynch forced her way over to keep the lead.  With the conversion Laura Ackroyd put the Cats further ahead after 58 minutes.

Otherwise the second half was a scrappy affair that Albion should have stamped their authority on.  Castleford showed who was the better side in that half by scoring the last try.  However the Keighley side kept their defence intact to win the match.

There were some outstanding performances with Angie Pickard deservedly getting the Players' Player award for her strong running and tackling.  Kirsty Horsfall also deserves a mention for her determination in attack and defence despite being a new player this season.

New Cats coach Paul Kirkham said, "We made heavy weather of a game that we could have easily won.  However poor discipline and possibly fitness cost us some points.  For my first game in charge I'm glad I was bald before we started."

Gemma said, "Cheeky bastard".

The Cats now have two free weekends ahead of them.

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