Sunday 23rd September 2001
Womens' Premier Division
HULL DOCKERS 10 KEIGHLEY ALBION CATS 34

Keighley maintained their 100% start to the season with a comprehensive victory over Hull Dockers last Sunday. Following their victory over Birkenshaw last Sunday the Cats were in a confident mood as they travelled to Humberside despite the Dockers doing the double over them last season.

The kick off coincided with a torrential downpour which lasted for most of the match. Keighley were the first to make an impression on the game when after a good set of six Laura Ackroyd found touch deep into the Hull corner with a towering kick. From the resultant scrum strong Cats defence prevented Hull from gaining any significant yardage and Keighley were territorially well on top. After almost continuous pressure a sweeping move ended with new signing Jodee Loader burrowing her way over for her second try for the club, Ackroyd adding a magnificent touchline conversion.

The first half continued in a similar vein with Keighley well on top and it was no surprise when Ackroyd added to the score, after cleverly running the ball on the last tackle. No conversion this time but Keighley were comfortably ahead at 10 – nil. However as the half drew to a close Hull began to force the pace and Keighley were driven, for the first time in the match onto the back foot.

Hull came out with all guns blazing for the second half but just when they looked to be getting into the match Ackroyd again stamped her presence on the match with a fine individual try and goal. However, to Hull’s credit they came back strongly at Keighley and with their best spell of the match scored a converted try under the posts, closely followed by another try from strong running centre Nikki O’Donnell, who powered in from 20 metres.

Hull were now right back in the game and at this point were well on top but then Laura Ackroyd broke their hearts with a tremendous interception and as she sprinted clear of the cover to score under the posts the Dockers heads visibly dropped. Keighley were now 22-10 up and with time running out Hull did not look capable of scoring three times to win the match.

Although they threatened spasmodically the Cats were now well in the ascendancy and emphasised their superiority with another try and goal from Ackroyd and in the final minute Sarah Cartwright scored a thrilling 60 metre try outstripping the whole Hull defence.

Although skipper Ackroyd deservedly took the plaudits for a masterly display this was a fine all round team performance with excellent tackling displays from Saima Hussein and Tracy Lynch and strong running performances from Gemma Liddon and Angie Pickard. Next week the Cats travel to Wakefield for what promises to be a memorable encounter.
Andy MacDonald

Return to the home page