Saturday 15th September 2001
Pennine League Division 3
Stainland Stags 32 Keighley Albion 'A' 12

The extensive first team injury and holiday list did no favours to the second team as they again had to cobble a side together for the journey to Stainland.  However with credit to player/coach Simon Kelk they put out a 14 players with a sprinkling of old heads and up-and-coming youngsters who performed creditably against a recently promoted Stainland side.

Despite playing up a severe slope Albion started brightly and were soon forcing themselves on the Stainland line.  From early on the strong running of second-row Scott Bellamy and centre Chris Atkins caused problems in the home defence.  Eventually a high tackle on hooker Danny Brophy gave Simon Kelk a difficult penalty kick from 35 metres out which he calmly slotted over to take an early lead.

This setback jolted the Stags into action and they pushed down the hill.  Their first attack was thwarted when veteran centre Dave Nixon plucked an interception out of the air but he just lacked the pace to beat the cover.  Stainland pressed again and were finally rewarded with 4 tries in the last 20 minutes of the half as the Keighley side tired.  The score at the break was Stainland Stags 22 Keighley Albion 2.

The second half looked to be more of the same as injuries forced more shuffling of a weakened Albion pack and the home side used this advantage to notch up 2 more tries in the first 10 minutes.  However this turned out to be the end of the Stainland scoring as the forwards, lead by Scott Belamy and Dean Brookes, started to dominate giving the half-backs Simon Kelk and Craig Livock the room to dictate play.

This they did well creating a half-chance for Chris Atkins at 20 metres out.  The big centre seized on this opportunity, bulldozing his way over the line to get the first Albion try of the match.  There was no conversion but Albion had shown they were not just there to make up the numbers.

The next Albion try was a classic.  Acting half-back Dean Brookes ran at the defensive line and crafted a gap which Craig Livock shot through at pace.  When he was nailed by the cover he slipped out a difficult pass to the supporting Chris Atkins who had enough pace to run in over the final 30 metres and score under the posts.  The conversion was added by Dean Brookes and this made the final score 32-16.

Despite having 2 defeats in as many games Albion can yet again take heart from their strength and solidarity in adversary.  Special mention should go to new players Scott Belamy and Mick Peel who both tackled and ran strongly throughout and showed the absent players that their return will not be easy.  Next Saturday Albion take the short journey to Silsden Park Rangers.

Tim Cooper

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