West Bowling A u-14s 44 Keighley Albion u-14s 4

ALBION began their pre-season campaign against familiar rivals West Bowling with optimism high after a recruitment drive seeing an influx of players.

However, with Bowling having only 13 players, they were able to maintain a high consistency level whereas Albion were making eight changes each quarter, and appeared clunky and disjointed.

Things did not start well prior to kick-off with Caleb McConville being taken ill in the warm-up, although it began positively enough with defence solid from both teams.

Bowling scored with a scoot from acting half before some excellent set-up play saw Tyler Moyles float a ball out to Harrison Clamp to cross out wide to even things up.

However, this was the last time Albion troubled the scorers and, with the first quarter drawing to a close, Bowling scored off a kick to restore their advantage.

With changes made, Albion struggled to settle and Bowling scored three quick-fire tries to stretch away even further.

In the third quarter the intensity level raised with both sides going toe to toe and defending their lines.

However, Albion again rang the changes and Bowling were able to stretch the lead to a more comfortable victory with three further tries.

There were some decent patches with Evan Jones being a stand-out with some fantastic line breaks and defence but things will need to improve rapidly ahead of the new season.