Thirty one Wharfedale players went for a pre-season match played over four quarters on Keighley’s all weather pitch on Skipton Road. The only try of the first quarter when both teams played their second squad was scored by Ollie Gill, converted by Archie Brewster. The Greens settled more quickly and one particularly encouraging piece of combined play involved Josh Elliott, Spencer Bennett, Fin Brewster and Archie Siddons.
Just before Keighley scored towards the end of the second quarter through Gibson, converted by Megan, after a tap and go penalty, the Greens had conceded far too many penalties, a problem to which I referred in my Old Rishworthians report. We just have to accept refereeing decisions and that includes spectators like me! Keighley performed really well during this section of the match and had the majority of possession. On the other hand it was hard to criticise the Wharfedale defence.
The third quarter was very much a stalemate, but the fourth and final quarter was Wharfedale’s as they introduced more of their first team players, all of whom showed why they are first choices. It was Callum Trees who scored the winning try. Archie Haddon kicked the conversion (14-7). On two other occasions the Greens touched down, but neither was acceptable to the referee. As expected Oli Cicognini, a constant threat, Idris Morgan, Sam Dickinson, Zeb Heys, Joe Fawcett and Simon Borrill were six of the first teamers who showed their class.
We wish Keighley well when they start their season at Baildon on 10th September. Once again, it was noticeable how many Wharfedale supporters travelled to West Yorkshire. Aren’t we lucky? I’m sure the players appreciate it and therefore respond positively.
2nd squad
Gill, Brewster, Elliott, Ridehalgh, Bennett, Middleton, Siddons, Green, Bentley, Meehan, Ethan Brewster, Middleton-Smith, Godfrey, Whitehead, Harrison.
1st squad
Gill, Taylor, Trees, Cicognini, Hall, Haddon, Morgan, Beresford, Fawcett, Fin Brewster, Borrill, Heys, Ward, Holden, Dickinson.
John Clark