At a packed Jim Saynor Ground Harrogate Pythons challenged in spells but Keighley’s consistency reflected their 3rd placed league position coming out winners 5-45. The Pythons created pressure in the first few minutes. A catch and drive from an attacking line out created the platform for Hugh Tatlow and returning Pete Millward to challenge the line. Keighley’s defence was penalised three time with The Pythons opting to scrum. Ed Challis picked up from 8 to feed stand off Max Sharp putting Nick Bell through a gap to score, 5-0 on 5mins.
Keighley’s well drilled back line began using short passes to create overlaps and scored in the corner, 5-5. A well drilled catch and drive gave the away side their second, with some more accurate passing creating a third, 5-17 on 30mins. Starting debutante Ben Pryor and Rhys Cory tackled superbly to close down mid field. A 5m line out was stolen by Millward and The Pythons able to clear their lines. A quickly taken penalty and Keighley cross the line on half time, 5-24.
Turn over ball on half way gave the away team the opportunity to utilise their back line, try under the posts, 5-31. Although The Pythons created chances they were unable to ad to the score board. Keighley scored 2 more, final score 5-45.
After the game Coach Dan Bird said, ”None of the guys stepped back in this challenge. We knew Keighley wanted a 5 pointer to keep in touch at the top of the league – their organisation and execution was great. What a game captain Will Butler had. Injured for most of the season and coming back out of position he deserves The Whittaker’s Gin man of the match. We have 2 weeks to prepare for our last match of the season and mine as Coach, away to Leos which is a must win if we’re to keep ahead of The B’s.”
Bradford and Bingley lost at home to Leos leaving The Pythons 3 points clear. The B’s have a tricky last fixture away at Old Rishworthian
