Birkenshaw Bluedogs u15s 54

Keighley Albion u15s 12

REGISTERING two players prior to the game to get a full complement on the field, meant Keighley Albion Under-15s were always going to be up against it with an in-form Birkenshaw side and so that proved in the end.

However, Albion kept going until the end and will be better for getting their season back under way.

Albion started off well enough but, despite some great defence from the likes of Ethan Brewster and Matt Carrol, others were more generous, which saw Birkys elusive half cross for a quick fire double.

A great kick and an error from Albion, saw the hosts go four scores up but Albion looked good offensively and after some offloads, Billy Lee skirted in and out before outpacing the cover, to which Harrison Clamp nailed a superb touchline effort.

A great break from new boy Lewis Naisbitt ended unfortunately when he tripped over.

The hosts scored just before half-time to reassert control.

Albion came out with their tails up and some great backline play, opened up Birky's defence on a couple of occasions but the visitors simply failed to capitalise.

Another error by Albion close to the line gifted Birky another try but Albion hit back off a scrum, when Evan Jones played in Lee on halfway who, after cutting through, evaded the defence before his exceptional speed, saw him cross in the corner.

Albion continued to be kind and two errors in possession close to the line, handed the hosts two more scores and further weak defence blew the scoreline out even further, to end in a bit of a rout.

Brewster was Albion's stand-out, ably supported by Carrol and Jones.

Albion will look to regroup with more players returning from rugby union to bolster the ranks.