Saturday 27th October 2001
NATIONAL CONFERENCE LEAGUE DIV 2
KEIGHLEY ALBION 14 CASTLEFORD PANTHERS 18

Kellett, Morphett and Wrench keep the Castleford attack in their own 20.
Picture by David Kirkley

Albion’s visitors today at Cougar Park were fellow strugglers Castleford Panthers, with Albion still looking for that 1^st elusive victory. Albion had the better of the early exchanges, and an Andy Bowness break from midfield put Albion in a good attacking position but the Panthers defence kept them out. Minutes later Kris Kirk set off on a 30-metre run that ended a metre from the Panthers try line when he was forced into touch by the covering defenders.

Ben Farrar plays the ball to Andy Bowness who fires the ball to Craig Morphett
Picture by David Kirkley

Unfortunately for Albion this seemed to kick the Panthers into action as they hit back when Sean Wales broke up the touch line side before passing to Craig Pearson who scored a try wide of the posts, Sean Wales added the goal to put the Panthers 6 points in front on 15 minutes, this against the run of play.

Not downhearted the Keighley side came back into the game when a clever kick through by Mark Kellett saw Andy Bowness beat the defence to touch down the ball for a try by the posts, Mark Kellett adding the goal to tie up the scores at 6 apiece on 18 minutes. It was all Albion at this time with Craig Morphett and Chris Hogg making good yards in Albion’s attacks.

But the Panthers were still causing Albion’s defence problems and they with stood 12 tackles on the trot in their 10 metre area to keep the Panthers at bay. Albion then got back into attacking mode and a good kick and chase downfield by Mark Kellett saw set up Craig Livock who’s diagonal run took him away from the Panthers defence to score a well taken try between the corner flag and the posts, the goal kick was off the mark but Albion had taken the lead by 10 points to 6 in the 35^th minute.

The chasing Panthers defence can't stop Craig Livock from scoring Albion's second try
Picture by David Kirkley

Albion were well on top as both sides looked for points and a more focused approach by Albion should have seen them with a larger half time lead but were still good value for it. Halftime Albion 10 points –Panthers 6.

Mark Kellett adds the subsequent conversion
Picture by David Kirkley

Albion hit the Panthers virtually from the kick off, when on the last tackle of the first set of six Chris Hogg stormed 40 metres up the touch line beating off the Panthers defenders on the way to score an exceptional individual try in the corner, no goal to add but Albion had increased there lead to give a score line of Albion 14 points to Panthers 6 on the 42 minute mark.

This should have settled Albion’s nerves but they then gave away a silly penalty on the half way line someone spoke out of turn and the ref marched them back another 10 metres, from this penalty Craig Benn added the goal kick to put the Panthers back into the game at 14 points to 8 in the 48^th minute.

It was now nip and tuck as the Panthers took the game to Albion but good defensive work by Craig Morphett and Steve Wrench helped keep them out. Albion then got themselves back on to the attack and a good move between Mark Adams and Neil Jordan saw the ball go to ground when the extra pass was not needed.

This then saw the Panthers playing some open rugby and were rewarded when Craig Pearson scored his second try of the game, Craig Benn adding the goal to tie up the scores again at 14 points all on 64 minutes. Again it was all to play for but both sides spilled good chances, Albion’s Craig Morphett tried an ambitious drop goal that saw the ball hit the post and come back into play, Albion were penalized in the move as they pushed forward.

Mark Kellett tries to work the ball through the defensive line.  Neil Jordan in support.
Picture by David Kirkley

The relieved Panthers kicked the ball downfield and a determined run from acting half back by Steve Thornton saw him score a try, the goal attempt was of the target but it was Albion 14 points Panthers 18 on 75 minutes.  

Albion drove forward but they were unable to cross the Panthers line as they made a last ditch attempt to win they game but it was not to be as the clock hit the 80 minute mark. It had been an entertaining game that Albion should have won but again poor handling and indiscipline had let them down.  

Andy Bowness goes for it
Picture by Trevor Smith

Mark Kellett had led Albion’s line well and was their Man of the Match closely followed by Craig Morphett and Chris Hogg.  For the Panthers 2 try Craig Pearson took their Man of the Match prize, well supported by Chris Hepworth.

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Kris Kirk is wrapped up
Picture by Trevor Smith

Chris Hogg takes the tackle
Picture by Trevor Smith