A youthful Hegians took to the field and struck immediately from the kick off when scrum half Harry WOLLASTON charged down a kick and the ball landed into the grateful arms of full back Alex JONES who burst through a gap and outstripped the home defence to score out wide (did he or didn’t he put his foot in touch? Martin HALL said “No”.)

A very even contest followed with Keighley stand off converting a penalty after 10 minutes when Hegians transgressed in the loose.

They extended the lead after a Hegians mistake after 15 mins when they scored a try.

Hegians failed to take advantage of the strong wind at their backs and with both teams manning up in defence neither were able to control the game.

Hegians drew level after 35 mins when Alex JONES converted a penalty for Keighley infringing in the loose.

With half time approaching Keighley got their noses in front when their forwards barged over the line to score.

Half time: Hegians 8 – Keighley 13

Hegians rang the changes just before and after half time with experienced forwards Andy CHILDS, Matt LOUGHNEY and Oscar JEDRAS entering the fray. They were then able to control the set pieces and the loose and were rewarded with a penalty after 55 mins after more infringing in the loose from Keighley, converted by JONES.

Hegians scored again after 58 mins when Club skipper LOUGHNEY finished off fine work from the forwards to barge over.

The forwards continued to pressurise Keighley and another fine maul from the pack resulted in CHILDS forcing his way over with 10 minutes to go, WOLLASTON adding the extras.

By now it was getting dark and hailing and just before the end Hegians allowed Keighley back into the game when they scored a converted try with five minutes to go.

Undaunted Hegians camped themselves in the Keighley 22 for the final minutes of the game, made even more frantic when a penalty from JONES struck the upright. Hegians were able to re-gather possession and centre Olly WALKES banged the ball into touch to complete a fine victory for Hegians.

Final Score: Hegians 23 – Keighley 20

Team:
1. J. Dobson
2. J. Cooper
3. J. Illingworth
4. J. Henderson
5. D. Redman
6. D. Cowling
7. D. Bowman
8. A. Mulligan
9. H. Wollaston
10. O. Walkes
11. E. Jackson
12. A. Lewis
13. S. Truch
14. J. Thorpe
15. A. Jones

16. O. Jedras
17. M. Loughney
18. A. Childs
19. R. Wilson
20. J. Frampton

Loughney for Illingworth
Childs for Henderson
Jedras for Cooper
Wilson for Thorpe
Frampton for Trutch