Despite the score line this was a
creditable performance by the Cats against a very strong Bradford side, who
clinched the championship with this victory. Keighley were missing a number of
players through injury but Bradford were able to relegate two GB internationals
to the bench, such was the strength of their squad.
Within minutes of the start Bradford were
ahead with a well worked try down
their right flank which was well converted from out wide. Keighley then had a
good spell of pressure near the Bradford line but despite the best efforts of
Leanne Ludlam and Laura Akroyd they were unable to breach the Thunderbirds line.
Bradford then stepped up a gear and by
playing some nice flowing rugby they soon scored two more converted tries.
Keighley then regrouped and with the defence well marshalled by Sarah Walsh and
Saima Hussein tackling everything that moved the game developed into a good
contest. However Bradford hit the Cats with a further three try blitz as the
half ended and turned around 34
points to the good.
With the game lost Keighley relaxed and
played some of their best rugby of recent weeks. All the forwards were working
hard and Sarah Cartwright was beginning to show something like her true form. As
a result both teams were playing good rugby but both defences were quick to
snuff out any danger. For almost twenty minutes there was no further score until
somewhat against the run of play Bradford raced up field for another converted
try.
Keighley then responded with their best
spell of the match and virtually camped in the Bradford 20 metre area. Finally
they got their reward when Ackroyd quickly picked up the ball on the last tackle
and dived over to score a fine try, she also added on the conversion. Bradford
replied with two late tries to give the second half
score line a flattering look.
However this was a good Keighley
performance and a victory over Barrow in the final game of the season should
cement their third position. Saima Hussein deservedly took the player of the
match award and she will be one of several Keighley
players who will be playing for Yorkshire in next weeks first County
Championship fixture at Featherstone.
Andy
MacDonald
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