Yorkshire Men's League Division Two: York Locos 50 Keighley Albion 6
ALBION had nine regulars missing so had to field a young outfit against a York side who showed their experience from the off, their size and pace helping them rack up a 30-0 half-time lead.
As much as Keighley’s experienced players put in a great shift, led by captain Mark Smith and backed up by hooker Cal Hudson, they could not stop the hosts.
Albion's second-half display was much better, with newcomer Conner Taylor showing some class and old boy Danny Bowness guts and determination.
But York ran in 36 more points to cap off a tough day for the visitors.
Keighley Albion A 28 West Bowling A 44
Even with nine regulars missing, Albion managed to pull a team together to play their first game of the season.
They called on some of their old guard to fill in and what a job they did. Andy Bowness, Ian Spencer and Andy Broughton enjoyed their first run out for years, while first-team coach Andy Stokes also filled in.
The game started off at great pace with both teams scoring early and they continued to trade points before going into half-time level.
Under-16s Finley Meegan and Kieron Blackley led the way for the A team, backed up Ben Whitaker. The second half started like the first as both teams crossed the whitewash before Bowling's fitness came to the fore as they ran away with it in the last 20 minutes.
But Keighley played their full part in an outstanding encounter.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here