Saturday 3rd November 2001
NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE DIV 2
HEWORTH 16 KEIGHLEY ALBION 10

Albion travelled to York to play Heworth who after being relegated at the end of last season are currently in mid table. Albion on the other hand are still looking for the first in eleven outings.

The Keighley side started brightly and had the Heworth defence under pressure in their own 22 area, through Ian Spencer and Craig Morphetts strong running but the pressure did not bring any points Albion’s way, as from the turn over Heworths big props brought the ball back into Albion’s half. At this early stage neither team was able to grasp the advantage with both defenses rock solid.

Heworth were first on the score board when an astute Brendan Carlyle cross field kick saw winger Gavin Grant outpace Albion’s defenders to score a try in the corner, The goal attempt was off the target but the home side were in front by 4 points to nil on 10 minutes.

It was still all to play for and Albion responded well as Neil Jordan brought the ball down field to set up an Albion attack and Kris Kirk made good ground before being well tackled by the Heworth defenders. In Albion’s next set of six Kris Kirk was to the fore and a deft chip kick and chase came to nought as the Heworth defence smothered the loose ball.

Heworth were weathering the Albion attacks well and in their own next attack had Albion under the cosh and were rewarded with a penalty as an Albion player tried to pull off the players head gear, Dave Carling kicked the penalty goal to ease the home side further ahead at 6 points to nil in the 17^th minute.

Albion’s Craig Morphett, Sam Broadly and Steve Wrench were playing out of their skins both in attack and defence, and Heworths Brendan Carlyle and Liam Cochrane trying to put their side into the attacking mode, but try as they may neither side was able to take the advantage off good scoring chances.

A mixture of good defending and poor handling contrived to lead the game into a period of stalemate in fact the 17^th minute score was also the half time score at Haworth 6 point Albion nil. It had been an entertaining first 40 in a game that at times threatened to explode due in the main to some poor refereeing who seemed unable to keep the players the required number of yards apart, but at 6 point to nil behind Albion were still in with a shout. Half Time Heworth 6 – Albion 0.

Again from the kick off Albion again attacked the Heworth line with Steve Wrench and Ben Farrar making good yards, but when the attack broke down it gave Heworth a chance to get back on the attack and a good well timed kick over the top from Brendan Carlyle winger Lee Clarke was 1^st to the ball but his inside pass to Richard Darling was at least a metre forward, but this was unseen by the referee who was along way behind play but he still gave the try. He also waved Albion’s complaining players away, Dave Carling added the difficult goal kick to give his side a 12 points to nil lead on the 44^th minute.

This was the signal for Albion to go all out in attack as it was still anybodies game, and as they threw everyone forward it was Heworths turn to defend their lead as Sam Broadley and Steve Wrench pushed down field supported by Kris Kirk and Rob Haughey it was torrid stuff, and this led to a string of penalties given away by both sides as the referee struggled to keep the lid on this highly charged game. But it was Albion who struck first when Neil Jordan fielded a ball in his own 22 area brought it to the halfway line before passing to Mark Adams who then fed Andy Bowness who in turn provide Craig Livock with the final pass that saw his diagonal run take him under the posts for a breath taking try that had both sets of spectators applauding. Kris Kirk added the goal to put Albion in reach of Heworth at 12 points to 6 on the 63rd minute.

Albion had grown in confidence and another long range try again started by Neil Jordan in his 22 area assisted by Steve Wrench who in turn passed to Ben Farrar who out paced the flagging home defence to go 50 metres to score well earned try wide of the posts, the goal attempt was of the target but Albion had closed the gap at Heworth 12 points Albion 10 in the 66^th minute.

Any thoughts of winning took a jolt when a cheeky short kick off resulted in Heworth gaining possession as they caught Albion napping and with the home side in control of the ball they worked the ball wide for centre Nathan Witty to score a well taken try despite pressure from Albion’s defenders, the goal kick was well of the mark but it was Heworth 16 points to 10 in front on 68 minutes.

Not down hearted Albion continued to play open rugby and were again on the attack and Craig Livock was foiled when he was stopped inches short of the line on the last tackle, and in another move Craig Morphett was stopped in his tracks with an alleged head high tackle that saw mysteriously Albion penalised thus relieving the pressure on the Heworth line as they kicked the ball down field, Albion set up another attack that took them into the home side 10 metre area and on the last tackle Gareth Greenbank tried to dive through the ruck only to loose the ball over the line and with this the refs whistle brought the game to a close.

Albion had given as good as they got but 16 points to 10 was the final score. Heworth had held on for for a home win in controversial circumstances, but Brendan Carlyle was their Man of the Match closely followed by Dave Carling and Chris Hammerton. Albion could be well pleased with their performance in a display that had seen them one score short of that first win, Neil Jordan playing at full back was Albion’s Man of the Match with Gareth Greenbank and Craig Morphett running him close but it had been a good all round team effort with everyone making a contribution and maybe that win is not too far away?

Next week Albion return to Crossflatts to play Cottingham Tigers with a 2.00pm kick off.
Terry Caddy

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