Saturday 8th September 2001
Pennine League Division 3
Slaithwaite Saracens 30 Keighley Albion 8

Albion started their league campaign a week late and though weakened by injuries could put out a starting line-up that looked strong though rather short of match practice.  The home team got off to a poor start with a knock-on in front of the posts.  The Keighley side soon capitalised on this with a strong drives on the line which culminated in Richard Hollins crossing.  However he was unable to ground the ball due to the attentions of several tacklers and so the opportunity was lost.

After this the Saracens came back into the game but were repulsed by strong tackling from the Albion pack, led in both attack and defence by props Adam Lilley and Danny Bowness.  However something had to give and the Slaithwaite scrum-half scurried over from short range to open the scoring.  With the conversion the home side were looking strong.

However Albion started to hit back, on the narrow pitch the forwards made ground with half-backs Andy and Matt Bowness dictating matters.  Eventually Slaithwaite conceded a penalty which Dean Condren calmly slotted over from 35 metres out.  The home side then set up an advantageous position by winning a scrum against the head and then shooting over for a try, no conversion but the lead was extended.

Albion then applied pressure on the Slaithwaite line and were duly rewarded when Andy Bowness scored a try.  With the conversion from Dean Condren, Albion were back in contention at 10-8.  Unfortunately this was spoiled by a home try which gave a rather flattering look to the score at half-time of 14-8.

The second half was worse for the Albion, no tries and a succession of injuries forcing breaks in play and positioning.  Slaithwaite had no such problems and ran in 4 more tries to give a final score of 30-8.  The 'A' team can take heart from their resolute performance and the pack especially which rose to the challenge on a narrow pitch. 

The 'A' team are away again next Saturday at Stainland who gained promotion from Division 4 last season.

 Tim Cooper

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