1st XV
Matches
Sat 19 Oct 2019  ·  Yorkshire One
Old Brodleians RUFC
1st XV
19
7
Keighley
Brods stay on Top

Brods stay on Top

John Ketteringham24 Oct 2019 - 11:48
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Bruce's report

With no fewer than 10 changes to the match day squad from the previous week Brods resources were stretched to the limit however the Woodhead boys stood up to the challenge and produced a superb performance against a Keighley side who may have seen the opportunity to take some points from the league leaders.

Conditions were perfect as the visitors kicked off down the hill and showed their intent with some strong forward play pinning Brods in their own 22 for the opening exchanges. Keighley’s heavy pack monopolised possession as they pressed the Brods line however the Hipperholme boys defence held with debutants Elliott Hoyle and James Heap showing up well in an industrious defence. Michael Briggs broke the stranglehold with a powerful burst and Joe Kafatolu supported by Joe Potter took the ball into the visitors half for the first time after 15 minutes play. Brods were patient in playing the phases in Keighley territory however when the ball was lost a clearance kick was caught on the full by Jasper Ayrton. Having beaten two defenders Ayrton was flattened by a high tackle however the referee played advantage as Ayrton had linked with Michael Briggs took the ball deep into the visitors defence before releasing Phil Town on the left who completed an excellent piece of rugby with a touch down in the corner. Brods continued to play good controlled rugby against a physical Keighley side for the remainder of the first half with scrum half Jimmy Hodkinson prompting with some good box kicking. The Brods front row of Peter Ashton, Joe Kafatolu and Joe Sealey have an average age of 21 and enjoyed an outstanding first period in both scrum and lineout. This provided the basis for the Woodhead boys to retain their 5-0 lead until half time with the prospect of the slope in their favour in the second half.

The Woodhead boys opened the second half with great intent and from the kick off set about their task and camped in Keighley territory . Again patience and discipline plus good possession led to Brods working the phases eventually stretching the Keighley defence and Phil Town took his opportunity to cut through and score under the posts. Town added the extras to stretch the score to 12-0. Keighley rose to the challenge from the restart and slowly built some momentum by their forwards mauling at every opportunity to make ground. Keighley worked their way deep into Brods territory and when it looked like the home side had finally stopped the Keighley drive former Brods player Will Mcloughlin broke on the blind side and dived over the line to keep Keighley in the game. With a conversion from the touchline by fullback Ollie Mitchell. Brods needed a positive reaction and this was almost immediate as Keighley conceded ground and a penalty kick to touch by Danny Chappell put the home side in a good position. The lineout was well taken by Akroyd and the ball was quickly moved to the back of the driving maul. The initial surge split the visitors defence and Brods wily second row forward Kyle Millward saw his opportunity as he saw the whitewash and drove from close range to finish an excellent piece of controlled rugby. Town again converted from the touchline to extend the score line to 19-7. Keighley continued to press for the remainder of the game however Brods defended their line and remained in control throughout. In the closing minutes James Dodd and Keighley centre Matt Langstaff exchanged blows and received red cards and a break out from Joe Kafatolu might have brought a bonus point if there had been sufficient support. A very tired player/coach Olly Akroyd was extremely proud of his team for an outstanding effort and a win that means Brods remain top of Yorkshire One.

Match details

Match date

Sat 19 Oct 2019

Kickoff

TBC

Competition

Yorkshire One

League position

1
Old Brodleians
12
Keighley
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Club Sponsor - Shibden Mill Inn
Club Sponsor - Total Biomass Solutions
Beavers XV Sponsor - Bottomleys Arms
Kit Supplier - Gilbert
Charity Partner - Andy Mans Club
Club Sponsor - Spenborough Engineering
Club Sponsor - Eastwood & Partners
Club Sponsor - EP Risk Consultancy
Player Sponsor Ollie Akroyd - Beaver Productions
Official Club Supporters - Harold & Margaret Smith
Official Club Supporter - Carhoots.Com