Keighley Albion u14s 12 Newsome Panthers u14s 10

KEIGHLEY Albion Under-14s recorded back-to-back victories for the first time since the end of last season and moved into third place in Division Two with a come-from-behind win against a defensively- strong Newsome Panthers team.

As is so often the case with this team, Albion started off really slow when Newsome scored immediately when the ball was shipped wide and their dangerous centre stepped and arced his way into the corner. Albion did not help themselves with some poor passing and handling meaning they did not complete any sets in the first half.

The only time Albion threatened, which they showed they could was when Caleb McConville went down in the corner but was pulled back for a forward pass.

Knowing there was so much more to come, the message to Albion was to complete sets however they were indebted to an incredible cover tackle from Riley Corby, who chased back and hauled down Newsome’s full back who had broke the line from a kick.

The visitors were not to be thwarted and their dangerous centre outjumped both McConville and Billy Lee from a kick to add a converted score.

Needing to spring back into life, Connor Clarkson dented the line before offloading to Lee looping round who sprinted down the line before scoring under the sticks with Harrison Clamp converting.

Albion really had the bit between their teeth now and Matt Tindale was starting to puncture some massive holes and it was him who took a wide pass before crashing through a number of tackles and shrugging off the cover to score under the sticks, with Clamp putting Albion into the lead.

Some desperate defence at the end ensured victory with Albion’s rear-guard action ultimately winning the game as the attack misfired for large parts of the game.

Lee took the opposition gong with Reece Smollen influential with his orchestrating of the back line in the second stanza.

Albion have a week off before welcoming perennial rivals Drighlington looking to seal a hat-trick of victories.

Meanwhile, Keighley Albion travelled to Normanton Knights and came away from a tough fixture as 26-18 victors and go top of Division Two.

Solid defence on display was the key factor in the first half, with Albion going into the break 10-0 to the good with tries from Logan Ingham and Oliver Moran.

Albion came out the second half much the better team and added to the score with tries from Max Hassan, Benedict Crowley and a second from Logan Ingham to put the game beyond Normanton 26-0. Normanton bagged three quick tries to bring the score back to 26-18.

However, Albion held on with a great defensive display to come away with the victory heading into a vital Challenge Cup semi-final against Featherstone Lions on Saturday, June 23 (11.30am kick-off).

Meanwhile, Keighley Albion u16s ran out 48-4 winners over Guiseley Rangers u16s.

At virtually full strength for the first time this season, Xander McConville forced his way over for two early tries before their hosts had settled and further scores came from Will Hartley (2), Josh Clamp, Joel Livock, Callum Smith, Matty Smith and Jonny Dopson.

Seemingly on course for a second successive 50-point haul, they were only denied by a late Rangers rally which finally put the home side on the scoresheet.