East Leeds Ladies 14

Keighley Albion Ladies 52

KEIGHLEY Albion ladies travelled away in high spirits to Featherstone to play East Leeds in the Women's Rugby League Association Plate Final.

East Leeds scored within five minutes, filling the teamsheet with a full 17 players. Keighley, fielding 13, were on the back foot, or still on the coach waiting to start the game.

Albion's Laura Ackroyd scored straight under the posts from a scoot from acting half to make it 6-4.

Sarah Shillito, on the run on the fifth tackle, scored for Keighley and converted by Emma Templeton again to make it 12-4. Jodee Loader was next to score for the visitors.

East Leeds replied soon after to make the score 16-8.

Emma Templeton next to scored after breaking through open play to score a great try for 20-8.

Saima Hussain broke down with pace to storm past the East Leeds defence to send Ackroyd over for a great try to put Albion were 26-8 in front at half-time.

Loader opened up the second half by forcing her way through the flagging east Leeds side.

Ackroyd was next to score a well-worked try from Loader, gaining positional play.

Ackroyd then produced a solo effort from acting half. Sarah Cartwright scooted from acting half to score out wide which made it 46-8.

Keighley were on a roll in the sweltering heat. East Leeds came back with a consolation try and kick for 46-14.

Keighley had the last word with a brilliant dummy and scored.

It was a brilliant day for a team that have struggled for numbers all season. Albion fielded a full 13 players for the first time and came with the winning trophy. Half the game was played with 12. Every player played their heart out today and should be proud of their achievements.

Albion's player of the match went to Templeton with some fantastic open play and fearless tackling.

There was also a fantastic performance from 17-year-old full-back Hollie Haigh, who held her own for Albion with a tough opposition during her first season. New player Nicole Hannah took some fantastic drives to gain field position and did some amazing tackles. Poppy Rushton, who was also celebrating her birthday, made some impact tries.