Keighley Albion u-12s 12 Newsome Panthers u-12s 0

ALBION took a large step towards preserving their Yorkshire Junior League Division Two status with a nervy win against a physical Newsome team, which was only secured in the dying moments.

Keighley started fast but poor ball retention kept Panthers in the game. It took a moment of individual brilliance from Billy Lee to break the deadlock when, off a scrum on Albion’s ten-metre line, his searing pace saw him outstrip the defence before he sidestepped his way through the cover to score under the posts. Josh Dickerson converted to give the hosts a 6-0 half-time lead.

Albion made greater inroads out wide after the break but their middle defence became more porous. Weak tackling saw Newsome’s centre break through and it seemed inevitable he would level the scores until Lee’s blistering speed saved Albion’s blushes when he denied a certain score.

Keighley regained control and extended their lead when opposition man of the match Reece Smollen made the initial break off the back of a scrum before Caleb McConville picked up from acting half and beat his markers before crashing over the line. He added a wonderful conversion to cap off victory.

Albion have a likely Halifax Cup final to look forward to against Division One big guns Siddal and the opportunity to finish fourth in their first season in a league structure. This would place them among the county’s top 12 teams – a remarkable ascent from where the team was even two years ago.

The u-12s (current Year Seven pupils, moving into Year Eight) are on the lookout to increase their squad. Players ideally would have some experience playing either code of rugby or a team sport, but anybody with a genuine interest in rugby league is more than welcome.

For further details, contact Gav Wild on 07891311251.