Rugby Union: Fightback comes too late

From the archive, first published Friday 3rd Feb 2006.

Keighley 20 Pontefract 24 - Keighley's disappointing season continued with a narrow defeat against visitors Pontefract.

The issue was effectively decided in the first 15 minutes when they conceded two similar tries, both touched down by wingman Mark Bateman and converted by stand off Andy Dean from attacks down the left flank, each owing as much to frailties in defence as to the skills of the visitors.

Thereafter, Keighley had to play a `catch up' game, at which, to their credit they were nearly successful. A straightforward penalty goal miss by Johnny Harrison heralded a successful effort shortly afterwards and by half time the deficit was reduced to four points when tearaway flanker Rob Ellis forced his way over the line after a good build up by the forwards, with Harrison converting.

Pontefract's initial supremacy had declined noticeably as Keighley's pack warmed to the task, with Evan Griffin and second row man Leigh Sugden regularly punching holes with some determined running. Keighley's efforts to play a more expansive game in the backs, however, was less successful, inaccurate passing and a firm defence thwarting their ambition.

The brightest moments stemmed from centre Mark Beckett, with wingman John Currie and scrum half Adam Balderstone also showing some neat touches. Balderstone, in particular was unlucky to be denied a try when his stretch for the line was ruled fractionally short.

Pontefract's lead was extended early in the second half with a Dean penalty goal, but the key factor in the game was flanker Lee Gordon's harsh dismissal to the sin bin for a technical offence. During his absence the forwards were put under intense pressure close to the line, referee Trueman controversially awarding a penalty try, converted by Dean when he ran out of patience with Keighley's defence tactics. It was a set back Keighley scarcely deserved and it once more opened up a lead of 14 points for the visitors.

A penalty goal by Harrison kept Keighley in the hunt but they were fast running out of time when a spirited attack prompted by Ellis brought a first senior try for replacement wingman Andrew Marklew who squeezed in at the corner, allowing Harrison to land a splendid conversion from the touchline.

The victory which Keighley could well have achieved, without perhaps deserving, was within their grasp, but was denied by the final whistle as they pressed for glory.

For Saturday's non-league encounter with Yorkshire Division Two side Ripon, centre Mark Beckett is rested and Nigel Curr moves from wing to centre. With Lee Gordon unavailable, Leigh Sugden moves from second row to flanker and Peter Schofield is at No.8.

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