Sunday 3rd March 2002
Women's Challenge Cup Semi-Final
Keighley Albion Cats 6 Hull Dockers 28

The Cats were denied their place in the Challenge Cup Final by a strong defensive performance Hull Dockers.  This platform meant that the Humberside team had the edge throughout.

Both sides set off at a high speed and Hull started to dominate in the early exchanges.  From this the visitors gained a penalty on the 7th minute which was sliced wide.  Shortly after the scoring was opened by a clear break through the middle and the Dockers were away with a converted try.

Albion tried to drive the ball onwards but only player could breach the organised defence and that was prop Angie Pickard.  Her strong running gaining the hard yards that were required.  This effort did not hold back Hull much.  They drove upfield twice more in the first half to gain 2 more converted tries.

The Keighley side finally asserted themselves in that half.  A set of drives near to the line gave Laura Ackroyd the space to dummy a kick and then force her way over.  She added the conversion on the stroke of half-time and Albion turned round at 6-18 down.

The kick off was a short one that Laura Ackroyd kicked and collected but again Hull's defence snuffed out the small chance.  However Albion's defence finally stepped up that extra gear and, lead by Angie Pickard and Saima Hussain, Hull were stopped.  This stalemate lasted over 20 mins until Hull again forced 2 more tries to remove any doubt as to the outcome.

Hull Dockers will travel to the final and get their place in the sun as fair reward for their determination and the Cats are left to rue their missed opportunity.

The Cats Coach, Paul Kirkham, said, "A case of being beaten by the better team on the day.  Shame for Albion after much hard work after the Christmas break.  Sometimes commitment just isn't enough."

Next Sunday the Cats are home to Wakefield at Marley, kick off 2pm.
Tim Cooper

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