2007/2008 Season
PRE SEASON TRAINING STARTS SATURDAY 7TH JUNE 10AM
23rd April
Keighley Cougar Cubs 24 Elland 26
The under 15s closed off the season with a close run defeat to 2nd placed team Elland. The cubs started slowly and were soon 10 points down after the spirited Halifax team took advantage of some uncharacteristic Cubs handling errors. The Cubs however gradually started to show just how much they have progressed this season and fought their way back with a hard working short range effort by Ben Stead who jinked and dodged under tackles and dived for the line successfully converting his own try.
The cubs stepped up a gear again buoyed by some fabulous tackling by Josh Lynam and Shaun Newton knocking the tough Elland team back. Jake Dunn and Wasim Shabir themselves tested the resolve with drives that took three and four players to halt their progress. With the Cubs pressing the line a dropped ball provided an opportunity for a speedy Elland centre to capitalise and break through the field to open up an eight point advantage with a fine try. Ben Stead stepped up again after great approach play by Jamie Brown and Martyn Broadley brought the cubs close to the line. A quick dart from acting half and the half time score of 16 points to 10 meant that it was still anybodies game for the taking.
Queensbury hit back soon after the break after the cubs lost the ball in the tackle, and followed this with a crucial 2 point penalty after the ref gave a penalty for ripping the ball .
Martyn Broadley then scored the try of the game for the Cubs lifting the teams spirits with a barnstorming run from deep slicing through the Elland defence with great determination just being halted as he stretched his arm out to score under the posts. A good spell for the cubs followed with Jamie Pickles creating a good chance with a neat chip through on the fifth and last and a foot race to the line that was just scrabbled away by the defence to thwart a great move.
Josh Lynam claimed a well earned try from close range to drag the scores closer, linking nicely with Jordan Aitchison and Dean Barritt to power over in the corner. Elland hit back moving the ball well to go in at the corner to take a 26 points to 18 points lead with 8 minutes to go. The final minutes were frantic for Elland with wave of attacks pressing the line. Matt Ross charged from 20 metres out crashing through the field to just be held up 2 metres short.
On the next attack Ross sent an up and under towards the post, a good chase by the cubs forcced the error with Broadley first to react to a dropped ball and a 2nd try under the posts to leave an easy conversion an a 2 point deficit.
Shaun Newton and Josh Ives both pressed the line with Newton powering through and Ives gliding through at the next attack. With a minute to go the final attack led by Lynam appeared to be stopped by a ball rip close to the line. The call went against the cubs and any chance of claiming a victory.
6th April
Keighley Cougar Cubs 48 Sheffield Hillsborough Hawks 16
A shock early conceded try by the under 15s kick started them into an awesome display of rugby against a squad with 12 players in the South Yorkshire service area squad. This was the cubs close to their best playing expansive rugby that stretched the Hawks defensive line to the full. The opening score for the under 15s was set up by a Wasim Shabir barnstorming run down the middle. A quick play the ball and Josh Ives linked nicely with Ben Stead to send the impressive loose forward Josh Lynam in at the corner.
The second try to take the lead was even more impressive, a ball through hands and a well timed pass from Dean Barritt sent the onrushing Shaun Newton through a gap and in at the corner for a difficult conversion made to look easy by Chris Spencer.
With 5 quality replacements to call on the Cubs could easily have lost their structure when the interchanges commenced. Not so , prop Jake Dunn had an outstanding game both in defence and attack and crashed over for a well deserved try, the Hawks not able to cope with Dunns' power. Tom Steel matched Dunn for tackling and go forward taking no prisoners in a tough tackling stint that earned plaudits from all. The Hawks were rattled and tried to put the cubs off their game with some high shots that were penalised by the ref and gave the Cubs useful territory. Paul Feather and George Nixon stepped up to the mark with excellent go forward, Nixon unlucky not to pick up a try after a great pass from Jamie Pickles sent him on his way .
A red card with a minute to go to half time for a further Sheffield discretion left them with 12 men and just enough time for the final try of the half which was a fine solo effort that saw James Etherington showing neat footwork to slice open the Hawks line for an excellent effort to take the score 22 points to 6.
Sheffield hit back scoring first with a long range effort when the Cubs had Sheffield camped in their own 20 metre area. A missed tackle and a speedy centre blasted up the pitch to claim a great try. The Cubs smarting from the defensive lapse stepped it up a gear, Josh Lynam drawing men well to give Conor Caveney the ball in space who in turn set up speedy wing man Jamie Pickles for a try, carrying the ball under the posts to leave an easy conversion for Stead.
Martyn Broadley switched to 2nd row from centre and showed great strength to take the ball through the field the defenders no able to cope with the power. The platform for the next try was made by Jason Smith who showed good pace to gain 20 yards with tacklers all around him. A quick play the ball and the Cubs were 5 metres out leaving Pickles able to repay Conor Caveneys pass for his try with a neat crash ball pass to Caveney and no Hawks player able to cope with the big centres dive for the line.
A lapse in concentration and the cubs spilled territory again. Sheffield clawed a try back with a speculative kick into the in goal area that was not cleared and dropped on to make the score slightly more respectable. The champagne moment of the game was the Cubs reply and saw Broadley picking the ball up in his own half and handing off two players before a sprint to the line with Cubs in support to cap a dominant performance and his second try
Man of the match Ben Stead who organised and directed the attacks with Jordan Aitchison backing up well claimed the last try with a typical jink through a tiring defence to put the cap on a great Cub performance.
30th March
KCC 38 Victoria Gladiators 10
After a 3 week break the Cougar Cubs under 15s claimed their third successive league win against a Victoria Gladiators side that had defeated them earlier in the season. This was an emphatic team performance with quality play in abundance from each player on a pitch that had stood up well to the recent torrential rain.
Ben Stead opened the scoring in the 5th minute with a typically elusive run that saw the Vics grasping at thin air before catching Stead, but not sufficiently to stop an outstretched arm reaching over the line to score. The second try saw more strength than guile from Martyn Broadley. who powered up the centre after man of the match Conor Caveney had carved a hole in the defence and offloaded to the strong centre. Caveney's work rate during the whole match both in attack and defence was an example to all.
Vics hit back testing the defence and capitalising on cubs conceding penalties and territory. Some rare missed tackles not helped by a split defensive line allowed the Gladiators to register their only try of the first half, although winger George Nixon prevented a certain second score with an outstanding chase back and crucial tackle to snuff out a rare Vics attack. The cubs defence was solid, Jason Smith in impressive form with 5 consecutive tackles on the bounce to minimise territorial gain. The Cubs power players of Wasim Shabir, Jamie Brown and James Etherington sapped the Vics strength, with further woe inflicted by Jake Dunn who crashed through the line and provided a great platform for the last try of the half. Half back Jordan Aitchison split the defence then sent a great inside ball to the supporting Josh Lynam who went over to close the first half at 16 points to 4.
The Cubs continued to pile the pressure on the Vics after the break with props Paul Feather and Tom Steel coming on to continue to tear through the lines with impressive speed and forward running. The first try was an opportunist one on one ball steal by Aitchison 5 metres from the line, and an easy scamper in to demoralise the Gladiator team further. Josh Lynam claimed his second try, again from an inside ball that no doubt will be his future trademark move. The Vics came back but the tackling remained solid, Josh Ives making some good hits from centre, before switching to hooker when the influential Stead picked up an injury. The cubs continued to make good ground stretching the Vics line sufficiently for Broadley to claim his second try, this time from 30 yards out with no one from the Vics with sufficient pace to deny the score.
The Gladiators hit back with some good approach play and a deft kick to the corner pounced on for a consolation try. The Cubs had the last word however with Dean Barritt carrying the ball at pace and chipping neatly over the onrushing defence to allow the supporting Jamie Pickles to pressurise the Vics full back into spilling the ball and Pickles capitalising on the error to pick up and touch down under the posts for an easy Lynam conversion.
9th March
KCC 26 Littleborough 12
A superb first half performance by the under 15s and a plucky 2nd half fight back by Littleborough summarises nicely this game. On a sticky pitch where handling was never going to be easy, both sides tested each other with some solid tackling and expansive play in a hectic first 10 minutes where both sides failed to trouble the score board. The Cubs breakthrough came on 10 minutes where prop Jake Dunn charged through the middle of the field carrying three defenders on his back. A quick play the ball and a superb passing move saw the ball quickly move from right to left through hands to George Nixon, who finished off a quality move in style in the corner.
A Cubs pressure continued from the kick off with a knock on. The territorial advantage paid dividends with Paul Feather going close but just being held up.
Two plays later and hooker Josh Ives again was just held up, leaving the impressive Matt Ross to take the quick play the ball over the line.
The cubs were on a roll, marshalled around the pitch by Jordan Aitchison and Dean Barrit. Loose forward Josh Lynam was solid in attack and defence as was man of the match and captain Shaun Newton leading the team forward by example and claiming the next try after good approach work by Conor Caveney . Newton in support picked the ball up from 15 yards, bounced off one defender then changed direction to slice through the defence and under the posts leaving an easy conversion for Ben Stead. The final try of the half saw hooker Ives give an inside pass to Martyn Broadley who rarely fails to score from 5 yards even if defenders are around him.
At 22 points to nil at half time, the Cubs took the foot off the gas. The sticky conditions made handling difficult and both sides dropped balls coming into contact in the tackle. The frost score of the half however went to the cubs, with Jamie Brown , on his first game back for two months after injury, hit a ball at pace and blitzed through the defence to touch down just as the tacklers were upon him to take the score to 26 points to nil.
Littleborough then started a fight back, as the Cubs work rate slowed. Working hard in defence and attack Littleborough started to move the ball around pouncing on Cubs mistakes. Their first points came as their centre broke through the cubs defence in their own half and won a foot race to the line.
Litleborough continued their resurgence and broke through again, this time James Etherington tracked back and hauled the attacker down to prevent a certain try. A minute before time Littleborough closed the scoring to claim the 2nd half spoils, but not the match as an excellent first half saw the Cubs home.
2nd March
KCC 30 Sheffield Hillsboro hawks 14
The under 15s cubs made hard work of it at times but came away with the points from a tough Hillsboro side that started the game aggressively and knocked the cubs back with a couple of early tries borne out of strong running and some lack lustre and out of character cover tackles and some expansive Cubs passing that in the windy conditions were ill advised. The Cubs however slowly stepped on the gas and started to show controlled power to cruise up the field. The first score came from a ball passing through hands to stretch Sheffield with full back Chris Spencer finishing off the move nicely in the corner. Man of the match Ben Stead picked up the next try. However it was great approach work from Jake Dunn, Shaun Newton and James Etherington that pushed the Cubs to the line, an outrageous dummy from Stead sent the defence one way and gave just enough space to dive over from close range.
The Cubs then stepped up the pace further with Josh Ives leading the way with some excellent tackling and equally impressive running. It was on such run that almost resulted in the next score as he tore through the defence with Lynam in support, an inside pass to Lynam set him on the way towards the line only to be brought up short by a head high tackle that stopped a certain try. The Cubs did not have long to wait for the next try however, a power move made by half backs Jordan Aitchison and Dean Barritt who sent Martyn Broadley on a diagonal across the field then back inside under the posts for an easy Spencer conversion to close off the half at 14 points to 10.
The start of the second half was all Cougars at the start, first with Wasim Shabir slicing through to touch down by the posts. Then a similar barnstorming run by Connor Caveney, who picked the ball from 40m yards out and crashed through showing great strength to drive over the Sheffield defence and claim a great solo try.
Pressure from the Cubs then forced two drop outs, George Nixon almost touching down after a chase from a Ben Stead kick. Sheffield hit back, the Cougars discipline sorely tested by some heavy tackles .
A Sheffield injury delayed the game and resulted in the last 10 minutes being played on another pitch with Sheffield more able to pick up the pace. A kick on the 5th and last from Sheffield left a lone Lynam stranded near the corner and unable to keep out the attack despite a valiant effort.
The final score however went to the Cubs with Broadleys power once more in evidence in a run down the line and in at the corner to close off the game.
Queensbury 6 KCC 0
The under 15s contributed fully in an enthralling tussle against an unbeaten Queensbury team confident they were going to turn over the Cubs. How wrong they were, the Cubs were defensively awesome on a day where the weather conditions were not going to permit an expansive game, and had crucial decisions gone there way could well have produced a well deserved win. The whole team stuck to the task of putting bodies on the line to snuff out attacks from a dangerous Queensbury side. Indeed the Cubs strike players of Martyn Broadley, Wasim Shabir and a resurgent Conor Caveney tormented Queensbury with some strong running, and even stronger tackling. This could be said for all the team in their best performance of the season. The Cubs were unlucky not to open the scoring capitalising on a Jordan Aitchison kick chased by Jamie Pickles pouncing on a fumble by the Queensbury full back to take the ball over the line, only for the ref to call the fumble a knock on and not play advantage. The first half was end to end with unusually no score registered. The second half followed a similar pattern, the Cubs continuing to press with good interplay between the halfbacks of Dean Barritt and Aitchison setting up the centres. Ben Stead showing good skills away from his usual stand off role. Prop Jake Dunn continued his impressive season with powerful drives that took 3 and 4 to bring him down. Queensburys dangerous no 4 was never given time to create chances marked impressively by Shaun Newton and Broadley, backed up by Josh Ives, solid as always and Matt Ross, imperious at fullback.
The only official score of the game cam from a rare mistake 10 metres from the Cubs line, a dropped ball and resultant scrum gave Queensbury a sniff of the line. Despite dogged tackling the Cubs could not hold out the onslaught.
The Cubs bounced back with fresh legs on the park. Tom Steel and Paul Feather gave the forwards a rest and took over the mantle of tough tackling and driving the ball forward. With James Etherington and Jason Smith more than a match for the opposition and Chris Spencer giving further impetus to the attacking line it showed just what strength in depth the Cubs now have. New signing George Nixon and Stead almost claimed an equalising try for the Cubs after a perfectly weighted kick through was knocked back over the line and with Stead and Nixon both throwing themselves onto the ball, only for the ref to give Queensbury a drop out from underneath their posts. Pressure continued with Josh Lynam crashing through the line time after time, and Dean Barritt using his guile to glide 20 metres through the defence only to be held up a foot from the line. A boring game with just one try? Certainly not, but definately an intensity level to be maintained and built on for the remainder of the season.
10th Feb
KCC 16 Littleborough 4
The under 15s produced an excellent team performance to claim a good victory against a strong Littleborough side that had beaten them earlier in the season. The first half with the Cubs playing up the slope was a tussle that saw both teams going close in an end to end game where defences held firm. With several players missing a new half back pairing of man of the match Jordan Aitchison and Dean Barritt distributed the ball well to allow centres and wings to have time with ball in hand. Conor Caveney and Jamie Pickles did well and are developing a good partnership, both unlucky to score after a neat chip and chase by Caveney saw him collect his kick and offload to Pickles with the line in sight but he just failed to hold the ball.
Props Jake Dunn and Wasim Shabir were work horses taking the ball into the strong defences, Shaun Newton and Josh Lynam both saved tries with excellent tackling that continued throughout the game. Littleborough however drew first blood following a penalty for offside and two drives to the posts and a quick play the ball saw them over by the posts, the attempted conversion going wide.
The 2nd half saw a resurgent Cubs dominate from start to finish, grinding the Lancashire team down with impressive powerplays and dogged defence that kept Littleborough on the back foot and in their own half for much of the game. The Cubs first try came 5 minutes into the half. The Cubs moved the ball first left then right to stretch the defence and allowed room for the back to his best Aitchison to sprint and jink his way to the line to leave an easy conversion for Broadley.
Attack after attack then followed with the final decision to pass or offload by the line just not going the Cubs way. Hooker Josh Ives, always solid in defence, bossed the territorial moves and almost set Shabir in for a try with a slick inside pass that Shabirs well timed run saw him make 30 yards before being brought down.. The next attack switched play to the left with Broadley coming in at a good angle to bamboozle the defence and power over for the Cubs 2nd try and his 2nd conversion.
Littleborough rallied pounding the cubs with some up and unders that full back Matt Ross claimed with ease, coming out of defence with determination . Paul Feather in his first game back after injury started just as he finished , solid tackling and strong running. Winger George Nixon in only his 2nd game showed great stamina and over coming weeks will have an important part to play in backing up breaks making use of his immense stamina levels.
New prop signing Tom Steel claimed the champagne moment showing blistering to gain 50 yards that allowed a good platform territorially for the next try. Aitchison carried the ball across the defence and timed a great pass for loose forward Lynam to crash onto to make the game safe .
The Cubs were impressive as a team and showed just what they are capable of when training ground moves are brought more into the game.
27th Jan
KCC 18 West Bowling 16
The last game against Bowling saw the Bradford team streak ahead in the first half, the cubs come back strongly in the 2nd only for a heart braking last second try for Bowling claim the spoils. This game was almost the opposite of this game, with the kicking prowess of Ben Stead proving crucial for the end result. The Cubs starting with their customary mistake at the kick off but were not made to pay. Ben Stead had a marvellous game claiming the first try on 5 minutes which he converted himself. An arm wrestle of a game ensued with Jake Dunn and Wasim Shabir working well together to drive the ball upfield. James Etherington put n a good performance and was like a whirling dervish tackling all that came by him to knock the Bowling back on their heels. A solitary unconverted try for Bowling made the scores 6 points to 4 at half time. It was 10 minutes before the next score was registered, this time for Martyn Broadley working well up the centre to score in the corner which Stead converted.
Jamie Pickles then started to test Bowling with some jinking runs to claim good territory. This set up Wasim Shabir to go on a barnstorming attack breaking through the Bowling defence and offloading neatly for the supporting Stead for his second try. At 18 points to 4 the Cubs were cruising. However Bowling came back with 3 tries of their own, all of the conversions were missed which was justice after the last try was made form a highly controversial refereeing decision that claimed a player tried to offload with 3 Bowling players wrapped around him clawing for the ball.
20th Jan
King Cross 22 KCC 4
When most fixtures across the Riding were cancelled, the Cubs travelled to Halifax to play the runaway leaders of Division 1.A bluster and heavy pitch and some off colour play resulted in a disappointing defeat to the Cubs.
The first half was a tight affair with both teams testing each other, but the conditions themselves testing more with dropped balls a plenty . King Cross were the only team to score in the first half, a fine try saving tackle by Josh Ives kept the score down, however the hooker had to leave the field soon after with a damaged leg and played no further part in the proceedings.
The 2nd half was scrappy with only the Halifax showing much for their efforts. New signing Matt Ross however was one bright spot showing strength and a good work rate, always willing to take the ball forward, with Shaun Newton tackling his heart out. Dean Barritt stepped in to the hooker position and distributed the ball well. A determined Josh Lynam was the solitary scorer for the cubs reaching out after a Ben Stead pass with tacklers all around him to give the team some small comfort .
6th Jan
Sheffield Hillsboro Hawks 14 KCC 32
After a long lay off the Cubs and playing a team for the first time, a tough game was expected. Indeed the opening minutes were a tussle as both teams set out to dominate and gain territory. THe Cubs however drew first blood with a fine try by man of the match Ben Stead running jinking through the defence for a confidence building try. James Etherington scored next for the cubs using good power and speed to finish off a fine passing move from Josh Lynam. A reply from Sheffield and a few handling errors obviously caused by lack of game play slowed the scoring before Wasim Shabir picked up the mantle and crashced over the line to take a 14 points to 4 half time lead.
The Cubs scored first in the 2nd half to gain a psycholigical advantage with Chris Spencer linking up nicely with Ben Stead to go in at the corner. A Sheffield revival then folowed with 2 quick fire tries that had the Cougars reeling. Tom Steel in his debut match however kick started the Cubs with some fine running aided by the powerful prop Jake Dunn who as ever carried the ball well into the fray, sapping the strength of the Hillsboro tacklers. Two quickfiure tries by Stead and Josh Lynam brought a more respectable score to the proceedings and a fair reflection to the superiority of the Cubs play overall.
26th November
Halifax Irish 0 KCC 52
Class told in this one sided contest as the Cubs completely demolished the first division team showing that with good team spirit and defensive determination they should be a difficult opponent for any team in their division.
Despite the score, the Cubs were not fully firing on all cylinders. Penalties for off side, dropped balls and forward passes as a result of a flat attacking line kept the score down to 52 points. That said however, excellent tackling prevented Halifax Irish from scoring this was a platform for the Cubs to build confidence and show just how good they can be. Two quick individual tries from Martyn Broadley and Josh Ives gave the team the breathing space to try moves. Ben Stead moved the team around the park with his usual efficiency, bringing in the big guns of Jake Dunn and Wasim Shabir to tear into the Halifax side. Penetrating runs by the powerful trio of Jamie Brown , James Etherington and Conor Caveney always threatened , but this was matched nicely with speed and agility from Jordan Aitchison and Dean Barrit. The whole team had an excellent game right from Chris Spencer, imperious in the full back position, through to the gritty loose forward Josh Lynam who distributed the ball well, grabbed a couple of tries and tackled even better.
Man of the match Shaun Newton stood out with rock like tackling and two glorious runs that took him from well in his own half through to being held up just over the line, his efforts were closely matched by Broadley with 4 tries and Caveney who finished off an excellent training ground move with good interplay between himself, Shabir and Stead.
4th November
KCC 10 Littleborough 20
Littleborough came out on top in this game with a slightly more concerted effort to get numbers into the tackle to snuff out the Cubs strong runners than the Cubs did themselves.Man of the Match Wasim Shabir, Jamie Brown and Martyn Broadley were strong runners but lacked the offload and support to allow an attack to trouble the scoreboard. Excellent individual tackling by the Cubs was required as slow movement off the line left gaps for Littleborough to barge through. The Cubs with almost a full squad for the first time this season were rusty and lethargic at times and excellent at other times, consistency and enthusiasm will be key to future games sucess.
First blood went to the Rochdale side with a good passing move and a well timed pass creating a gap for a run in. The Cubs pressed the line themselves, just giving up possession in strong positions, Shaun Newton and Jason Smith both taking the ball forward out of defence with strength. A second try for Littleborough against the rub of play was countered with a lovely bit of individual flair and determinaiton from Ben Stead who's quick turn of pace took him across the line half way between the posts and the corner flag to make the conversion just out of reach.
At 10 points to 4 at half time the game was there for the Cubs to step up the intensity and boss the game. Littleborough scored first though to take some of the wind from the Cubs sails, Jordan Aitchison tried to rally the troops with a jinking break that was just stopped a foot from the line. James Etherington and Wasim Shabir then both broke the line but desperate tackling kept them out. Full back Christopher Spencer then made the tackle of the game to stop a breakaway from Littleborough with a textbook one on one driving tackle, only for the posts on the next attack to fluke a rebound to Littleborough for their last try.
The Cubs deservedly got the last score from an up and under from Ben Stead that was taken well by Spencer just over the line to make the score line more respectable.
21st October
County Cup
KCC 6 Cottingham Tigers 52
The score belied early promise from the Cubs who completed their sets of six tackles and pressed the Tigers try line, in the first 10 minutes. The Cubs 12 men however were up against a well drilled side who came off their defensive line at pace, tackled as a unit in 2s and 3s, were quick to press from marker position and supported their attacking players when going forward. The Cubs emulated the Tigers for parts of the game with Martn Broadley and Chris Spencer putting in some big hits, Jamie Brown continued his impressive start to the season breaking the line several times, but lacking support to offload the ball. Wasim Shabir was a constant threat with the ball and Ben Stead as usual very dependable with his kicking game. Good performances by Props Tattersall Jarvis and man of the match Paul Feather should be a good platform for the remainder of the season if strong running and tackling is maintained and built on in future games. The Cubs only try of the game came from a Martyn Broadley run , quick hands from Josh Ives to Paul Feather and a quick ball to Ben Stead saw him use elusive pace to cruise through her Tigers in the second half to register a deserved score.
7th October
Victoria Gladiators 28 KCC 16
With the Cougars still carrying injuries and lacking substitutes it was going to take a special effort to clain the points against a Vics team recently transferred from the Yorkshire league. The first half saw a spirited cougars take the lead with a well worked jordan aitchison try scampering in finishing off well from a pass from hooker Josh Ives. Jamie Ben then terrorised the Vics with a magnificent effort showing great strength and determination to crash through tackles for a great try.
The vics retaliated with tries of their own. Shaun Newton and the towering Wasim Shabir stemming the flow with awesome tackling. A late try for the Vics, well into injury time gave them a 16 points to 10 lead at half time.
Injuries to Wasim Shabir and James Etherington hampered the Cubs effort in the second half. Jamie Benn used his speed once more to claim a second try but was denied a chance to clain a hat trick with an injury that prevented him from taking further part in the game, leaving walking wounded on the pitch no match for a Vics side that ran in 3 second half tries to claim a game that the Cubs will be keen to reverse with a full strength squad in December.
Keighley CC 72 Underbank 0
The under 15 Cougar Cubs beat Underbank in an 12 try demolition that will do much to restore confidence to a team struggling with injuries to key players. With Underbank short on numbers, the Cubs took charge from start to finish. Dean Barritt opened the scoring, finishing off a fine passing move for a try in the corner. Ben Stead converted the first of his 10 goal kicks. Martyn Broadley , picked up a hat trick of tries, the first a fine sole effort Underbank unable to contain his strength and speed. The Cubs used the weakness of the opposition to practice training ground moves and passed the ball crisply out to the wings for Jamie Pickles to score in the corner. Broadley picked his second try soon after, followed closely by Man of the Match Ben Stead for the first of three tries with excellent interplay between Stead and the outstanding Chris Spencer.
The Cubs defence held firm throughout the match, forcing Underbank to use a high ball kicking game to claim territory on the pitch. Full back Jordan Aitchison was up to the task, taking high balls with ease and making good yards for the Cubs in his offensive return of the ball.
Jason Smith powered to the line in the next offensive set but a fine tackle came in and knocked the ball out of hand just as Smith was in the act of scoring. Prop Aaron Tattersall- Jarvis crashed over the line from close range to close the half with the Cubs leading 36 points to nil .
The rout continued in the second half with Broadley claiming his hat trick with a typically powerful run from 30 yards. Shaun Newton added to the scoreboard showing good pace to run over in the corner, and even better sense to take the ball under the posts before touching down. Pressure continued from the Cubs, with prop Jake Dunn unlucky to be brought down just before the line after crashing onto a ball from 15 yards out . Stead picked his second try up with an elusive run through the Underbank defence, that despite the heavy defeat, kept going to the end. Wasim Shabir, despite fasting, was a tower of strength in defence snuffing out Underbank attacks before they threatened the line aided closely by promising new player Jamie Brown and the dependable Paul Feather.
Hooker Josh Ives nipped in for a try from acting half as a reward for a tireless passing and tackling game, ahead of Stead claiming his hat trick and a personal points tally of 32 points. Chris Spencer then capped a fine performance hitting an inside ball from Barritt at pace to score a well worked try.
Keighley CC 16 West Bowling 24
The Cubs, with key players still out due to injury, started this Cup match strongly with Wasim Shabir and Conor Caveney both making good yards through strong running. New player Jamie Brown in his first game also showed real promise bursting through tackles and causing real problems to the Bowling defence. It was all Cubs in the first half, first James Etherington turned the Bowling players in side out with an elusive run finishing with a good try in the corner. Props Jake Dunn and Aaron Tattersall Jarvis then set up a platform for acting half Dean Barritt to jink through the defence setting up Shabir who after a nice side step went in under the posts for an easy conversion for Ben Stead. A run away try for Bowling got them onto the score board which was soon cancelled out by an great individual effort from Jamie Brown, who showed enormous strength to hold off Bowling from 30 yards out to sprint finally over the line. Chris Spencer joined in with the Cubs free running game and carried the ball well almost breaking through but desperate Bowling tackling kept him out.
At 16 points to 6 at half time the Cubs were coasting, however injuries to the influential Shabir, and with several other players , including the key full back Jordan Aitchison , playing with knocks, Bowling came back. Two tries without reply gave them a two point lead and the Cubs were out on their feet with no subs to bolster the cause. Shaun Newton and Paul Feather rallied with some strong runs, and Josh Ives led from the front with some textbook tackling, but the teams efforts were in vain with winger Jamie Pickles and Spencer adding to the Cubs growing injury list.
With a full squad to choose from, this would undoubtedly have been a Cubs win, but Bowling made their numbers tell and took revenge after the Cubs win against then in the league two weeks before.
Keighley C C 24 West Bowling 14
The under 15 Cubs started the season off in style with a fine team performance that saw off local rivals West Bowling in a hard fought match that tested the pre season fitness of the Cubs who were down several players due to injury.
Playing down the slope the under 15s led by man of the match Martyn Broadley ran onto the ball hard with Wasim Shabir and James Etherington using good upper body strength to power through the Bowling defence.
The Cubs first try culminated from a slick passing move from the right hand corner of the pitch through to the left with a final slick pass from utility forward Josh Ives sending in the impressive Etherington for a try in the corner. A second for Etherington soon followed, this time winger Jason Smith made ground a quick play the ball and pass from the live wire Jamie Pickles gave Etherington just enough time to show good pace and strength to power over from the 20 metres line, again in the corner. The Cubs domination of the half continued with the cubs tackling keeping Bowling at bay. Shaun Newton and Conor Caveney were particularly awesome with Ben Stead as usual guiding the team up the pitch and Chris Spencer solid as a rock at full back. With no substitutes, props Jake Dunn and Aaron Tattersall- Jarvis were called upon to stay on the pitch, both made strength sapping runs time and again to tax the Bowling resolve. Two further tries completed the Cubs scoring in the first half, the first from Broadley who hit the ball at pace and blasted through the defence showing excellent strength for a try under the posts, and the ever improving Shaun Newton scoring in the corner to cap a fine performance.
Bowling in the final minutes of the half finally managed to swing the ball wide and break through to give them hope down the slope in the second half.
Bowling regrouped and pressurised the tiring Cubs in the second half. End to end Rugby made the game a joy to watch with both teams desperate to claim the win. Shabir, Caveney, Newton and Etherington were set up by pivots Pickles , Stead, Ives and new signing Dean Barritt for runs that almost produced tries, with Broadley continuing to test the defence out wide. Two unanswered tries from Bowling brought the two teams within a try of each other. With time running out and fatigue taking its toll, the Cubs came up with a crash ball for prop Tattersall Jarvis to take from 5 metres between the posts for the clinching try and a well deserved win.
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Friendly result v Holdeness Vikings sat 1st September
Cubs 6 Vikings 22
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East Riding 34 Cougar Cubs 28
After just 2 pre season grass training sessions the Cubs tested themselves against a strong Hull team in the middle of their season. East riding match sharpness in the first half as speed of play the ball and Cubs errors gifted tries to the Hull team. The Cubs however proved able to push the line and showed excellent potential going forward. Wasim Shabir led from the from along side Martyn Broadly both players looking strong going forward. The Cubs also threw the ball about and tackled ferociously to ensure Hull knew they were in a tough game.
The Cubs only try of the half came from good approach work from James Etherington and Broadley who worked the ball up the right hand side to create room for a passing move that saw new player Dean Barratt make a long pass to speedy winger Jamie Pickles to race in at the corner .
The Cubs started to work more as a team and increase the pressure on the Hull side snuffing out attacks late in the half, indeed they finished the half the stronger.
Jordan Aitchison was ruled off side when he collected a chip kick from Ben Stead for what would have been a well worked try.
Ben Stead then chipped in again after strong forward work brought the cubs to within 5 metres. A quickplay the ball and a scoot resulted in a late first half try.
Despite a 20 points to 8 half time score, the Cubs showed promise which they built on in the second half producing a magnificent fightback.
First half rustiness was replaced by controlled power and aggression and well worked tries. Jason Smith ran well with the ball to make good yards and Jordan Aitchison controlled the teams structure from full back with safe hands and assured running.
The Cubs next try was again a good passing move that saw impressive improvisation from Josh Lynam with a reaction pass on the corner for Shaun Newton, who as usual had an awesome defensive game, to pick up and score in he left corner.
Aaron Tattersall Jarvis tested the mettle of the Hull defence as he worked hard carryong the ball forwards taking some stopping when with the ball.
The Cubs next two tries came from the cubs punching right, the first resulting from powerful running from Shabir who offloaded 20 yards out to the supporting Josh Ives who ghosted around 3 players to peg the Hull team back with a great try that raised the team spirits even further.
Ben Stead got his second from acting half stretching out an arm to get downward pressure over the line, and the final score to tie the match was a power play from a scrum down the left hand side that saw Shaun newton pick up a crisp pass from Lynam at pace to break through the line to score.
With the clock ticking down the referee penalised the cubs 3 tines for allegedly ripping the ball in the tackle leaving just enough time for Hull to score a converted try to take the game well into injury time.
The Cubs were however impressive, showing good character and discipline with plenty of skill to take on and build on in the rest of pre season and the season ahead.
2006/2007 Season
25th Feb
Newsolme Panthers 54 KCC 10
A tremendous first half from the Cubs and great team spirit throughout were the positives to come from this match against the best team in Yorkshire. With the advantage of the slope with them the Cubs made Newsolme work for every score. Textbook tackling from Wasim Shabir and Conor Caveney dealt with the size and pace of the crack Newsolme team. Ben Stead tested their defence with some terrier like runs through the field and Chris Spencer did well in his distribution of the ball. First blood went to Newsolme with a try from good passing and strong running. This was matched with an equally good try that saw the ball switch with pace to the flanks fro Martyn Broadley to power over for a try in the corner. Newsolme scored again this time using their bulk, but the try of the game came form good approach play by James Etherington and Jordan Aitchison. On the 5th and last tacke, Stead chipped over the defence into the onrushing arms of Broadley who crashed over for his second try. A final try for Newsolme took the tally to 18 points to 10 at half time.
The slop and power of Newsolme as well as pace in abundance took the game completely away from the Cubs in the second half. Heads never dropped and Shaun Newton made try saving tackles on more than one occasion as did full back Aitchison . Newsolme were too good for the Cubs and most other teams in the division but despite the score the Cubs can be happier compared to the previous week with the team performance as a whole.
18th Feb
West Bowling 22 - KCC 6
The cubs were caught napping and let in 3 tries before waking up. At 16 points to nil and with some key players missing, coupled with a below par team performance the Cubs know that at the next meeting an improved performance and revenge for this uncharacteristic defeat will be required.
Notable quality on the day must go to man of the match Josh Lynam who never gave up, some top tackling by Conor Caveney and Paul Feather. and a well taken try by Martyn Broadley.
11th Feb
Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s 4 Queensbury 6
Two points separated these two teams after an epic struggle. Both teams put everything into defence on a very heavy pitch. In previous meetings this season Queensbury had dominated the game, not so today as the Cubs after a slow start began to make Queensbury work hard with man of the match James Etherington continuing to develop well as a powerful runner . So tight were both defences that Queensbury took two points when offered a penalty close to the sticks. These were the only points of a half that was nip and tuck with little to choose between two solid teams.
The second half was a similar tussle with forwards Connor Caveney and Wasim Shabir putting in some good tackles. The returning Paul Feather and new player Ryan Ridehalgh also held firm on the wings and Jordan Aitchison solid under high balls as full back. The first break came from Queensbury after the Cubs were pulled up for an infringement on the 40 yard line. A quick play the ball and a powerful run took them over in the corner to take a six point lead. The Cubs kept fighting and were driven up the field by Josh Lynam, Chris Spencer and the impressive Martyn Broadley to within 5 metres of the line. Hooker Josh Ives sent the defence the wrong way with an audacious dummy and stepped over the line to bring the Cubs to within 2 points of equalising. The heavy ball and sticky pitch made the kick difficult and it just missed the posts.
The Cubs then had the upper hand pressing the line to snatch victory, coming closest when scrum half Jamie Pickles slotted a grubber between the defence for a chase by Martyn Broadley who was just denied by a desperate kick out by the defence. The Cubs were pressing the line again with Shaun Newton and Jason Smith tearing through the defensive line when the final whistle went leaving the Cubs disappointed with the result but knowing they had put up an excellent team effort.
4th Feb
King Cross 10 Keighley Cougar Cubs 6
The Cubs were disappointed to lose a game that with a better frame of mind they should have won. Indeed the Cubs played well below par and yet still could have won the game had there been less panic when close to the King Cross line. The Cubs started tentatively struggling to gain territory relying on one man rugby to get progress up the field. Wasim Shabir and Conor Caveney were perhaps the pick of the forwards in the early exchanges, but Jake Dunn also showed good strength and added impetus was added when the impressive James Etherington entered the fray.
King Cross were obviously up for the match passing the ball well and using their strike players to good effect. They scored first taking two points for an infringement on the Cubs 20 yard line. A breakthrough try after sustained pressure took them 6 points clear. Shabir and Caveney then combined to drive the Cubs to within 10 yards of the line, Caveney offloading to the supporting Josh Ives for a try under the posts and an easy conversion to draw the scores level.
The out of sorts Cubs then failed to capitalise on their strength leaving the door open for King Cross to score again in the corner just before the break to take a 10 points to 6 lead at half time.
The Cubs on another day would have stepped it up a gear bringing strike players like Martyn Broadley into the game. However slow ball and not running onto the ball at pace dampened attacking efforts. The Cubs did get to the King Cross line several times only to fail at the last hurdle . To the impartial observer the second half was end to end stuff with nothing to show in terms of points for either side. Joe Palmer put his body on the line against sizeable opposition to save the one good attack King Cross had, but the Cubs attacking flair and support play was lacking and they lost a game that the Cubs could oh so easily have won.
28th Jan
Keighley Cougar Cubs 40 Wibsey 4
The Cubs mauled Wibsey with an excellent team display that brought the best out of the forward pack who set up a good platform for the backs to dominate an opposition where historically scores have been close.
A cracking try opened the scoring as Full back Jordan Aitchison picked up the ball on the half way line and scampered down the wing past scrabbling Wibsey hands. The second try was a well worked training move from the play the ball a deft inside pass from Jamie Pickles set up an onrushing Aaron Tattersall Jarvis who crashed over the line from 5 yards by the posts to leave an easy conversion for Ben Stead. The next score culminated from a passing move from the right wing that touched half a dozen pairs of hands before an inside pass from Josh Ives set up an impressive Chris Spencer on a good angled run that split the Wibsey defence for a try he converted himself. The Cubs 4th try was a mirror image of the second but this time it was Ives who set up Conor Caveney whose pace onto the ball gave no chance to the tacklers. . Wibsey when they had the ball threw everything at Keighley but were were thwarted by some excellent team tackling , notably by Shaun Newton , Spencer and Wasim Shabir to end the half at 20 points to nil. Wibsey increased the pressure early on in the second half and scored first with a cross field run from a centre that was not snuffed out. A harsh sending off for a mis timed tackle then left the Cubs with 12 men with 15 minutes to go. Centre Martyn Broadley peppered the line with some strong runs and was unlucky not to be given a try when it was judged to be a double movement. He almost set up newcomer Sam Jordan for his first try but he was pulled up short of the line. Ben Stead then scooted from acting half to cap an excellent overall game. Prop Jake Dunn then set up the next try having been given the ball on the last tackle he popped up a kick to the alert Broadley who caught it on the full for a curios try. The final try of the game came from good approach work from James Etherington who took the Cubs to within 5 metres of the line and a second crash over for a converted try from Tattersall Jarvis .
14th Jan
Keighley Cougar Cubs 10 Siddal 34
The Cubs came up against a well drilled Siddal Side that was on top of its defensive game. Siddals speed off the line and work from marker position snuffed out the Cougar Cubs attacks in a first half that saw the Cubs concede four unanswered tries. Despite the scores the Cubs kept going with Ben Steads excellent kicking game taking the Cubs into the Siddal half. Props Jake Dunn and James Etherington until injured took the ball forward well and Chris Spencer and Jason Smith stood firm on the wing and tackled well.
The second half brought some reward for the cubs as their pressure resulted in more possession and more of the ball in Siddals half. The Cubs first try came from solid approach work from Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Conor Caveney driving the ball well to take the Cubs to within 5 metres of the line on the fifth and last tackle. Martyn Broadley powered in on the blind side to score by the corner flag. Siddal replied soon after but the try of the match was then scored by the Cubs. The Cubs from their 20 yard line moved Siddals defence around with good play away from the ruck area. Caveney then sucked in several tacklers with a storming run, a quick play the ball and a well timed pass by Jordan Aitchison to Wasim Shabir running on to the ball at pace gave him the momentum to break through the line. With Cubs players in support Shabir sprinted 50 yards to touchdown under the posts. Siddal scored again just before the final whistle to flatter the scoreline somewhat, but the Cubs had not dropped their heads and kept going , and certainly in the second half proved that ,with the right attitude, they can keep up with the top teams .
7th Jan 2007
Keighley Cougar Cubs U14s 20 West Bowling 8
The under 14s put in an excellent team performance on a heavy pitch to beat local rivals West Bowling. From the kick off the Cubs meant business with some powerful early drives from the forwards. Ben Stead then picked up a pass, dropped his shoulder and sprinted 40 yards through the Bowling defence for a stunning try which he converted. The Cubs pressure continued, Josh Ives and Jamie Pickles linking well to take the team up the pitch. An Ives run brought the Cubs to within 5 yards of the line, with the Cubs forwards line stretching the defence a gap opened for man of the match Jordan Aitchison to scoot over the line.
West Bowling hit back themselves following a Cubs knock on in their own 20 tards line swinging the ball out wide for try. They could easily have registered another but for new player Sam Jordan making a try saving tackle that proved crucial.
The Cubs started the second half strongly with good half back approach work setting up the centres in good attacking positions. Shaun Newton working well in defence then turned to attack as he crashed over for a try in the corner. Bowling then came back hard and got back to within 6 points with a good passing move that took them into the corner. Further attacks were snuffed out woth some excellent tackling from forwards and backs alike. The cubs were unluckly not to score through hooker Josh Ives but was judged to have been held tackled before the line, this was quickly forgotten when Newton picked a good angle to run at the Bowling to bulldoze over from 15 yards to close the scoring an enthralling game.
10 th December
Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s 0 Newsolme Panthers 16
Despite the result , the Cubs played some outstanding Rugby against a team that two weeks ago put 50 points past them.
In a pulsating match on a sticky pitch the cubs ,against arguably the best under 14s side in Yorkshire , stood up and gave the Panthers a scare and one hell of a game . The team effort was tremendous, as both teams tried hard to open the scoring in a first half that saw no chinks in either defence. The forwards led the way with Jake Dunn and Aaron Tattersall Jarvis making both yards and telling tackles. Second rowers Conor Caveney and Shaun Newton ran their angles well and put their bodies on the line to stop attack after attack. Wasim Shabir and Martyn Broadly were strong at centre and snuffed out the Newsolme big guns attacks with some text book defence. Ben Stead and Josh Ives organised the go forward with the impressive Jordan Aitchison and James Pickles probing and pushing towards a defensive line that rarely concedes tries.
Nil Nil at half time was fair, and unheard of over in Newsolme where 50 or 60 points have been scored by this top team this season. The second half was just as enthralling but with injuries limiting the Cubs to just one substitute tired limbs started to miss the odd tackle. The breakthrough came after 10 minutes of the second half when a strong drive by Newsolmes England international loose forward took him over the line. Pressure from the defence looked to have forced a knock on over the line but this was not given.
The Panthers next try was an outstanding effort from a full back who caught a punt on his own 20 yard line and showed impressive pace on a heavy pitch to scoot through the Keighley defence and under the posts for a well taken try.
Whilst Josh Lynam and James Etherington worked hard going forward, it was to no avail as Newsolmes defence held firm.
The final score came despite a throng of tacklers holding the Newsolme player just before the line for what seemed like an age. However he twisted out of the tackle and over the line to close their scoring.
The cubs kept going though with Broadley and Joe Palmer getting in on the action and new player Ryan Ridehalgh standing up well to the test. The cubs however were unable to register what would have been a well deserved score.
3rd December
Elland Under 14s 24 Keighley Cougar Cubs 12
The cubs will be disappointed knowing that this was a game they should have won. A game where the cubs gave away two early tries to Elland on a blustery day where handling was going to be difficult and which made the cubs task more tricky. To be fair, this was a much improved performance on the previous week and the previous time these two sides met and after the first five minutes the Cubs played the better rugby. Conor Caveney , Wasim Shabir and James Etherington making good yards showing some excellent speed and strength that set up the first try for man of the match Ben Stead who scooted and twisted his way over the try line for the Cubs first try The wind hampered the conversion attempt.
A second try came soon after with good approach work by Josh Lynam . A quick play the ball and a well timed pass by Stead set up Martyn Broadley who powered over the line to score in the corner. The improvement continued in the second half with Aaron Tattersall Jarvis, Paul Feather and Jason Smith taking over the job of gaining yards. The cubs got on level terms when Josh Ives picked up the ball from 20 yards and left the defence standing with an elusive run that saw him slide through and into the corner.
Elland then came back at the cubs with some powerful running from their big players. Shaun Newton and Chris Spencer tackled well, with Lynam a tower of strength in the middle. A forward pass that was not picked up by the referee, then led to the next score for Elland.The Cubs kept going though against the wind and Conor Caveney almost broke through the line to equalise but ran out of pitch on a diagonal run. In the final play of the game a final try for Elland made the score line less reflective of the overall game.
26th November
Newsome Panthers u 14s 58 Keighley Cougar Cubs 6
The Cubs suffered a heavy defeat to Yorkshire cup finalists Newsome Panthers in a game that at times was one way traffic as Newsome capitalised on the cubs inability to keep possession, especially from the kick off. At other times the Cubs showed magnificent determination and would hope to perform much better in a fortnights time when the two sides meet again. The game started well enough for the cubs, with recent signing James Etherington tearing through the panthers lines showing strength and speed that in weeks to come will prove more dangerous. The early exchanges showed promise with a Newsome unconverted try being cancelled out when the cubs reached Newsome territory following a knock on from a Ben Stead kick . Wasim Shabir and Josh Lynam sucked in the defence with some good driving runs and a quick play the ball allowed Stead some room to skip over for a try under the posts for Chris Spencer to convert for the lead.
Newsome then applied constant pressure and kept their scoreboard ticking over despite some excellent tackling stints as usual by Shaun Newton and Jake Dunn who put his body on the line to stop a certain try. Joe Palmer tackled above his weight but the size, speed and Newsomes kicking game in windy conditions was too much for an under the weather cubs team that despite the score kept going to the end and never gave in.
19th Nov
Keighley Cougar Cubs under 14s 14 King Cross under 14s 0
The Cubs frustrated the Halifax team with some excellent defensive work that on rare incursions into the Cougar Cubs half saw every King Cross attacking move snuffed out by solid teamwork and determination.
The Cubs opened up the scoring after 5 minutes with the forward power of Jake Dunn , Aaaron Tattersall Jarvis and Wasim Shabir taking the Cubs to within 20 metres of the whitewash. A good angled run by the excellent loose forward Josh Lynam saw him break the defensive line and slip a pass out to Martyn Broadley for a try in the corner.
The Cubs then started to hammer home their superior skill and strength advantage and played some neat moves assisted by Jamie Pickles in at stand off , Ben Stead and Josh Ives whose crisp passing set up new signing James Etherington for a strike that was just thwarted before the line.
The Cubs scored again with a passing move involving Shaun Newton, Chris Spencer, Jordan Aitchison and the much improved Jason Smith who collected the final pass to crash over to leave a difficult but converted kick for Spencer for a 10 points to nil score at half time.
King Cross peppered full back Joe Palmer in the second half with some high balls that he collected with ease and carried the ball well. The Halifax side pressed hard and came close to scoring forcing a drop out for a repeat set of six tackles. Their heads went down when close to the line an interception by Martyn Broadley saw him sprint the full length of the pitch for the champagne moment.
With 12 minutes to go this killed the game, and when Broadley put in a textbook tackle by the touchline the King Cross player took exception and started to brawl which erupted to involve several people and an abandonment of the game.
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12 th nov
Wibsey 10 Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s 22
The under 14s confirmed their recent dominance over Wibsey with an excellent team performance that with more passing interplay could have led to the Cubs to a big score against a team that in recent seasons has had the upper hand on the Cubs.
Wibsey however started strongly with their two strong centres probing the Cubs defence . A repeat set of six tackles by Wibsey was just too much for the Cubs to contain and allowed Wibsey to open the scoring with try from distance. The Cubs then started to string moves together that put Wibsey on the back foot. Conor Caveney and Jake Dunn took two drives and sucked in the Wibsey defence to allow space for Josh Lynam and Martyn Broadley to set up a passing move that sent Chris Spencer in for a try in the corner that Ben Stead converted.
The Cubs stepped up a gear in the second half with Josh Ives and Ben Stead co-ordinating team movement well. The ever improving Shaun Newton tackled everything that moved to thwart what attacking moves Wibsey threw at them ably assisted by Wasim Shabir and Josh Lynam. Indeed it was Lynam that scored the Cubs next try, again from a lovely passing move that proved that quick hands between Ben Stead, Jamie Pickles and Spencer can lead to excellent tries. Spencer converted from the touchline.
A try for Wibsey against the run of play was the catalyst for the Cubs to go into overdrive. Jordan Aitchison was unlucky not to score from a mazy run from the half way line that bambouzled the defence who caught up with the pacey halfback just before the try line.
Aaron Tattersall Jarvis then showed that size and determined running can tear defences apart. Picking the ball up from 25 yards, he set on a barnstorming drive that Wibsey could not handle to score in the corner . Ben Stead scored the final try of the game, breaking through the tired defence to make the score more representative of the Cubs dominance.
5th Nov
KCC 14 Elland 40
A hat trick of tries for Martyn Broadley, an outstanding man of the match performance from Josh Lynam and some cheeky poaching and one on one tackle steels from Jamoe Pickles were the highlights in an otherwise below par performance that had the cubs conceding long range tries for want of two or three men in the tackle.
Certainly the Cubs tries were the better rugby tries with some imnproved passing and good interplay, but the strength of running and dominating tackles from a strong Elland team took the game away from the Cubs and gives a good indication to what the next level to reach is. The Cubs have the potential, but need a little more of the moves put doewn in training to be brought into the game situaiton.
29th October
West riding Cup
Keighley Cougar Cubs u14s 18 Wibsey 14
With no game the previous week the Cubs were a little rusty in the opening exchanges with handling errors giving up possession to a dangerous Wibsey team. The cubs defended their line well but the pressure they put themselves under eventually resulted in two tries, the first a breakaway by their strong centre, the second a lovely passing love that caught the Cubs sliding defence wanting.
The Cubs then woke up and started to dominate and retain possession and claw their way back into the game. The Cubs first try came from a passing move missing in previous games. A drive from prop Jake Dunn and a quick play the ball saw the ball moved crisply into Ben Steads hands who looped a pass over to centre Martyn Broadley whose strength saw him over a well taken try in the corner. The second try also saw good approach play from Jamie Pickles and Wasim Shabir matched by an equally good kick from Ben Stead for the chasing Jordan Aitchison and Chris Spencer, Spencer taking the ball ahead of the Wibsey defence to go into half time 8 points to 12 down.
The Cubs came out strongly in the second half with some big hits from Josh Ives, Josh Lynam and Broadley knocking the Wibsey pack back. Spencer switched to the wing and worked well with Shaun Newton to limit Wibseys final score to a penalty goal in the second half. Needing to score twice to win, the Cubs set about probing the tiring Wibsey team. Props Dunn and Aaron Tattersall Jarvis played some of their best rugby, carrying the ball well, with Conor Caveney lending his strength to take down their pacey centres. The Cubs third try was again a passing move that had Ben passing to Broadley then onto Spencer who just managed to squeeze over the line before being stopped by desperate tackling.
The champagne moment and the final score to take the cubs into the semi finals of the West Riding Cup came from promising new player James Etherington. Taking the ball at first receiver from 20 metres out, he went one way then the other then showed an excellent turn of speed that took him past the defence and into the corner for a well deserved try tha the whole team celebrated with great enthusiasm. Spencer kicked to open up a four point lead that the Cubs never looked liked giving up in what turned out to be well earned victory.
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15th October
Keighley Cougar Cubs 0 Queensbury 32
The scoreline did not reflect the possession and tenacity that the Cubs showed in a disappointing game that for all the effort the Cubs made, and on all the occasions the cubs were in the last 20 meters of the pitch , no decisive move or powerplay was employed to break down a spirited and well drilled Queensbury side. The first 10 minutes was an arm wrestle with Conor Caveney and Wasim Shabir hitting the line well. The cubs downfall however was not using territorial advantage and not spreading the ball out to the strong centres of Chris Spencer and Martyn Broadley.
There were some bright spots, notably Shaun Newton and Jason Smith who put in some excellent tackles, as did most of the team at times, but the inconsistency of the tackling was such that 3 unanswered tries were scored in half that the Cubs dominated in terms of possession.
With the slope in their favour the Cubs might have fancied their chances to come back at the much improved on last season Queensbury side. Shabir broke the line several times as did Paul Feather and Jake Dunn, but to no avail.. Jamie Pickles and Jordan Aitchison could not break the defensive line with their scoots , and a kick by Josh Lynam on the last tackle in a set was just too heavy to rest in goal for the chasing Cubs. The try of the match was a well worked play from the scrum deep in Queensburys half . A massive punt and chase caught the cubs out with only Jordan Aitchison able to put any pursuit in for the cubs, just failing to make the ball safe in a tremendous effort before the Queensbury wingers touched down . The Cubs never gave up falling to a better side on the day and have a fortnight to regroup and work hard on getting back to winning ways.
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7th October
Holderness Vikings u 14s 36 Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s 6
The Cubs travelled to East Hull and came across a very mobile and skilled team that was too good on the day for the under 14s. Speed off the line and well drilled moves were the lessons the Cubs need to take on board for the rest of the season. Whilst the Cubs put in some big hits against an athletic Hull team , missed tackles were punished by three first half tries . Wasim Shabir and Conor Caveney ran well with the ball but could not break the line to set up the backs. The Cubs only try came on 20 minutes and followed a good build up with some neat distribution by Jordan Aitchison that moved the defence around and created a hole for Jake Dunn to charge through and gain twenty yards. From ten yards out hooker Josh Ives picked out a good angle to scoot in by the posts to give Chris Spencer an easy conversion. Down by 2 converted tries at half time the Cubs increased the pressure in the second half and started to up the intensity. Prop Paul Feather put his body on the line time and again to take the ball out but the Vikings just when the Cubs were starting to build momentum, came up with a brace of tries to make the result safe. To their credit the Cubs kept their heads up and at times played good rugby, but the "in your face defence " prevented the team from stringing the moves together to break the line and late tries by the Vikings as a result of penalties conceded harshly in dangerous positions made the final score less reflective of the games events.
1st October
Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s 16 Elland 42
The Cubs received a wake up call from a strong and well drilled Elland team that started quickly and knocked the cubs off their normal game in a below par performance. The Cubs were caught napping in the first 5 minutes by some strong running at pace that left tackle technique wanting. Two quick converted tries had the Cubs on the back foot and shell shocked after claiming 3 consecutive victories in previous weeks. Elland tackled in packs with little headway made by the Cubs in the first half as 5 unanswered tries were scored by the Halifax team. Crucial points that might have changed the game in the first half however came from an excellent approach play by Martyn Broadley who stormed to the line but forced an off load in the tackle that had it come off winger Jason Smith would have been in for a try. Wasim Shabir also crossed the whitewash after a powerful drive but just lost the ball over the line.
Had the Cubs played in the first half as they did in the second then this could have been a different result. Despite not playing their best the tackling improved led by Shaun Newton , Josh Lynam , Broadley and Shabir. Elland were penned in their territory for long periods the pressure paying off with for a try from a neat offload by Ben Stead to Josh Ives who sliced through the defence to go in by the posts for an easy conversion by Chris Spencer. Ben Stead then claimed a try of his own on the next attack with a run from acting half that bamboozled Elland and took him over the line.
The Cubs kept the pressure on notably by prop Jake Dunn who had an outstanding game carrying the ball well into the opposition and making some telling tackles. James Etherington, in his first game for the Cubs also showed speed and strength and will undoubtedly contribute much to the team as the season progresses and as he gains experience. Elland however came back with two long range tries that in other weeks the Cubs would have dealt with. The Cubs had the final word however to claim the honours of taking the second half with man of the match Ben Stead picking up his second try, again from a scoot from acting half.
26th September
Huddersfield Sharks u 14s - 6 Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s - 58
The gap between the premier and first division told as the Cubs under 14s demolished Huddersfield in a 12 try haul. The Sharks could not cope with the strength and organisation of the cubs. Half back Jordan Aitchison distributed the ball well to drive the Cubs forward and set up the platform for the win. Cubs man of the match Chris Spencer opened the scoring after two minutes with one of several runs that split open the defence. The tries continued with Jamie Pickles using good pace to scoot through to the line. Prop Aarton Tattersall Jarvis then collected the first of a hat trick of tries using his size to plough through the line. Jason Smith picked a good angle to power over from 20 yards before a neat pass from Josh Ives set up Tattersall-Jarvis for his second. Josh Ives then added his name to the score sheet with a dive in from acting half. The final try of the half came from a one on one steal by Jamie Pickles who took the ball under the posts to leave an easy conversion for Ben Stead.
The Cubs then lost concentration and allowed the Sharks some territory. However inexperience showed as the Sharks passed the ball under pressure near their line to allow Martyn Broadley to intercept for an easy walk in. The Sharks showing good determination then showed good pace to race past a lethargic cubs defence to score their only try.
Wasim Shabir in the next set of six tackles set the cubs scoreboard ticking again. Paul feather had an excellent game going forward and was unlucky several times not to break through the line, however the final two tries in this one sided match went to Chris Spencer with another storming run and Tattersall -Jarvis from 10 yards.
17th September
King Cross u 14s - 10 Keighley Cougar Cubs u 14s - 14
The Cubs under 14s team , down to just 13 players as a result of injuries pulled off an impressive win against a team that this set of lads had never beaten away before over the years. The warm weather was also going to tax fitness levels given the lack of substitutes. King Cross started strongly with some impressive passing but they could not penetrate the Cubs improving defence in the early exchanges. The first score went to the Cubs after prop Aaron Tattersall Jarvis charged up the pitch to within 15 metres. The next play the ball allowed man of the match Wasim Shabir to show his strength and determination to plough through the defence for a try next to the posts for an easy conversion for Chris Spencer.
King Cross replied with a swift passing move that saw them scamper to the line out wide. The Cubs however pressed on with Shaun Newton and Jason Smith taking the ball over the advantage line backed up with impressive go forward by Jamie Pickles and Joe Palmer. On 20 minutes and whilst pressing the line the cubs prop knocked on and the disappointment shown was judged to have been dissent by the referee and the Cubs were down to 12 men for the rest of the game.
The Cubs raised their game and tackled ferociously , attacking the line with controlled strength and pace and Ben Stead used his kicks to good effect to gain territorial advantage. A neat passing move set up the impressive centre Martyn Broadley for a try in the corner just before the break.
The Cubs second half effort was outstanding. Paul Feather moved from the wing to the forwards and carried the ball well punching holes in the King Cross defence. The Cubs were by now dominating the attack led by Shabir and Broadley. Jordan Aitchison was harshly denied a try following a quick break. The referee deciding a double movement had been made. The Cubs were getting tired and allowed King Cross to bring the scores level with a scoot from acting half just failing to be held up. The tiredness perhaps contributed to an out of character head high tackle by the Cubs stand off. The referee deemed it sufficient for a sin bin and left the Cubs to play with 11 men for the last 10 minutes.
The Cubs stepped it up again with some exemplary tackling, notably by hooker Josh Ives who sprinted 30 yards to take out with a text book tackle their dangerous number 7 as an attack was coming. Prop Jake Dunn resting on the wing after a stint in the centre then came into the fray with an excellent cover tackle that snuffed out the next attack. The Cubs sliding defence was having to work overtime to counter the numerical disadvantage.
The move of the match then typified the Cubs performance. Broadly with 3 defenders all over him somehow managed to off load to an impressive Chris Spencer who with work to do showed good agility to take the ball over the line from 20 metres out and claim a well earned victory.
10th September 2006
Keighley Cougar Cubs U 14s - 18 Wibsey U 14s - 12
The Cubs tough pre season training, ably assisted by University student Dean Muir paid off with an under 14s excellent victory over a tough Wibsey side. For the first 5 minutes both teams tested each others defences with the Cubs forwards of Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Conor Caveney dominating the attack.
First blood went to the Cubs on 10 minutes with Jordan Aitchison jinking past three players from 10 metres out. Ben Stead converting the difficult kick.
Wibsey replied soon after as the Cubs defence were caught napping when a Wibsey offload in the tackle went quickly though the hands to break open the defence. The ensuing minutes saw play switch from end to end with Shaun Newton, Man of the match Josh Lynam and Wasim Shabir completing a heavy tackling workload to stifle a game Wibsey side.
On the stroke of half time Martyn Broadly on the last tackle and when the opposition were setting up for a kick, scooted on the blind side to crash over in the corner which Stead again converted.
The tussle continued in the second half with Jake Dunn making good yards and Chris Spencer intelligently bringing his second rowers into the fray with some crisp passing. Josh Ives ever dependable as hooker worked hard to take the team forward. The Wibsey team however did not give up and levelled the scores with good back interplay and a run in for their quality centre. Territorially , the Cubs had the upper hand. Full back Joe Palmer and winger Jamie Pickles dealing easily with Wibsey punts down the pitch and using good leg speed to bring the ball up the pitch. Utility player Jason Smith then set up the platform for the final try of the game with a bruising drive that the Wibsey defence halted illegally. The subsequent penalty tap caught the Wibsey defence cold and Ben Stead darted in at the corner to leave a difficult kick for Spencer, which he slotted straight between the posts to complete the scoring.
2005/2006 Season
30th April
Siddal 34 Keighley Cougar Cubs U 13s 16
The Cubs came up against the top team in the division after a three week lay off and were made to pay for a slow start by a well drilled and skilful Halifax team. Siddal scored in the the first two minutes with the Cubs not up with the initial pace of the game. A second score might have caused the cubs to drop their heads but they picked them selves up and started to trouble the Siddal side. Wasim Shabir and man of the match Jordan Aitchison started to make good ground breaking runs through the Siddal defence. Josh Lynam as usual led the way with some crunching tackles, but scoring was always going to be difficult against the divisions top defence. Shabir, Conor Caveney and Ben Stead then set up three quick breaks to bring the Cubs to within 5 metres of the line, a quick play the ball and hooker Josh Ives skipped over the line with a low dive. Another Siddal score from a dubious advantage call brought the half to a close at 14 points to 4.
The start of the second half saw Siddal score again from the first play with a powerful centre run just too quick for the Cubs sliding defence. This was followed by two other quick stores to stretch the lead for Siddal. The Cubs however came back with good approach work by Shaun Newton and Paul Feather matched by some fine try saving tackles by Jordan Aitchison . Aarron Tattersall Jarvis and Jake Dunn then started to use their weight to drive up the field. A good break by Martyn Broadley then set up Wasim Shabir for an excellent try under the posts.
Jamie Pickles finished the scoring off for the cubs with a jinking run from acting half that bamboozled the opposition.
9th April
Keighley Cougar Cubs 32 Halifax Vandals 0.
The under 13s defence once more held firm in a workmanlike performance against an improving Vandals team. The Cubs have now just conceded just two tries in the last 5 games whilst scoring in the same period 30, and have stretched their unbeaten run to 11 games. Four more tries in this game for man of the match Martyn Broadley who was set up nicely in the first attack of the game by Chris Spencer who worked the ball out to the centre who finished off with a try in the corner. Broadley doubled his tally in the 8th minute following a storming drive by Wasim Shabir, then Conor Caveney, and quick hands from Josh Ives and Ben Stead.
Halifax Vandals struggled to make ground against dogged Cougar tackling that saw Shaun Newton and Jamie Pickles working well together and Josh Lynam once more dominating defensively in the centre of the park. Josh Ives saw a defensive gap and picked up a try from close range then Martyn Broadley became provider to set Jordan Aitchison racing in to close the half down at 20 points to nil.
The Cubs used the second half to switch players around and try new positions which in turn slowed up the scoring. Paul Feather, Jason Smith and Jake Dunn made useful ground going forward the Cubs once more penning the Vandals into their own half. Broadleys hat trick came up on the half hour following a useful run from Spencer and a neat pass from Pickles. Pickles picked up his own try shortly after and Broadley finished off the game with a drive through the spirited Vandals defence.
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2nd April
Keighley Cougar Cubs u 13s 4 Wibsey 0
A solitary cougar cubs try separated two sides in a titanic struggle. Defence and forward play produced a nip and tuck tug of war from both sides from the first whistle to the last. With atrocious conditions underfoot expansive rugby was going to be limited, however it was the Cubs who showcased their skills to produce the games only try. Following a good break from hooker Josh Ives a quick play the ball and quick hands from Chris Spencer had Aaron Tattersall Jarvis ploughing up the field and neatly offloading to the prolific try scorer Martyn Broadley who used good strength to crash over from 10 yards. Whilst this was the only score of the game, it was no means dull as both teams worked up and down the pitch only to be thwarted in the last third of the pitch by tenacious tackling.Broadley was unlucky to claim a second try, putting a foot on the line just as he went over the line.
The Cubs were outstanding in a team effort led brilliantly by man of the match Josh Lynam that showed an impressive desire to continue their recent good form. Forwards Wasim Shabir and Conor Caveney and backs Jamie Pickles and Shaun Newton were formidable in defence with Wibsey pressing the Cougar line for two consecutive sets of six tackles. Full back Joe Palmer was tested several times with some high bombs which he took with consummate ease and carried the ball well. On a pitch more suited for planting potatoes Jordan Aitchison and Ben Stead managed to move the Cubs forward backed up by Jake Dunn and Jason Smith. It was the cubs fitness that carried them home in the end , the final whistle ending the game just as the Cubs were pressing the Wibsey line in a pulsating game that takes the Cubs winning streak to ten games.
26th March
Keighley Cougar Cubs u13s 18 King Cross 4
The Cubs picked up their 9th consecutive win in style to defeat a King Cross team that over recent years has tended to come out on top in games between the two teams . Not today though, on a heavy pitch the Cubs played awesome rugby in a marvellous team effort that was always going to be a forwards battle given the conditions.
The Cubs handling was exemplary for the first try as a slippy ball passed through hand after hand before Aaron Tattersall Jarvis ,who had an outstanding game, crossed the line in style. The cubs were camped in King Cross's half for most of the first period with crunching tackles from Wasim Shabir and Conor Caveney leading the way in a complete domination in attack and defence that had the Halifax team reeling. Good approach work by Josh Ives and Jordan Aitchison brought the Cubs to within 3 yards of the line when the second try came. Conor Caveney gave the opposition no chance as he scooted form acting half to crash over. The final try of the half was set up by prop Paul Feather. Feather tore down the pitch gaining good ground before passing to the supporting Martyn Broadley who handed off the last of the opposition to run in under the posts for an easy conversion for Ben Stead.
King cross came out fighting in the second half and pressed hard to register a score. The Cubs held firm with Joe Palmer and Shaun Newton putting in useful tackles and Jamie Pickles making good yards when it mattered. The whole team were magnificent in defence soaking up the early pressure before the Cubs once more took control of the territory in the King Cross half. The first score in the second half was crucial. Man of the match Broadley went over for his second try after a good build up from Jake Dunn and Tattersall Jarvis which made the game safe. A consolation try for King Cross in the last minute of the game did little to dampen the joy of the Cubs .
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19th March
Littleborough u 13s 4 Keighley Cougar Cubs u 13s 46
After a 3 week layoff the under 13s produced arguably their best team try of the season in the first minute. Drives by Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Conor Caveney followed by some wonderful passing along the backs set up outstanding wingman Jamie Pickles for the first of his hat trick of tries in a game the Cubs desperately needed to use to shake off any rustiness with big games to come in the league. Chris Spencer slotted home the conversion from out wide for his first of three goals.
The opening half was one way traffic with the Cubs tearing Littleborough apart with ease. Ben Stead set up the second try with a good break and a neat pass to the supporting Josh Lynam. The third try was a typical powerhouse drive from Martyn Broadley who used his strength to crash through the tackles to score under the posts. Chris Spencer playing at centre for the first time added his name to the score sheet in the next attack. Jordan Aitchison set the move up nicely with a darting scoot from acting half, a quick play the ball two passes out wide and a good angled run allowed Spencer the room to take the points. The Cubs defence throughout the half was superb. Shaun Newton and Lee Thompson both tackling well The tackle of the match however was made by full back Joe Palmer who put his body on the line to stop a certain try from an onrushing and much bigger forward.
The excellent passing moves continued with Pickles finishing off one such move in the corner. The Cubs held all the territorial advantage with their sizeable forwards of Tattersall Jarvis, Jake Dunn Jason Smith and Wasim Shabir setting up the platform for the first half try blitz that was finished off by hooker Josh Ives who dived in from close range to take the score to 32 points to nil at half time .
The Cubs got a wake up call in the first minute of the second half. Lazy covering left defensive gaps out wide that Littleborough took advantage of to register a well worked try in the corner. Indeed Littleborough were much improved in the second half limiting the cubs to just three tries from Pickles, Stead and the pick of the 2nd half tries from Luke Chapman. Chapmans try came after a storming run from man of the match Caveney then Broadley who passed to Chapman to dive over at speed from ten yards. Littleborough defended well for most of the second half with Josh Ives and Paul Feather both being denied tries after being held up over the line.
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26th Feb
Halifax Vandals u 13s 0 Keighley Cougar Cubs u 13s 48.
The under 13s were a class above Halifax Vandals in a completely one sided match that the Cubs completely dominated from the start . Ben Steads' lengthy kick off and every subsequent kick he made pressurised the Vandals into mistake after mistake. On a narrow pitch that really did not suit the Cubs normally expansive game, the Cougars gave lessons in solid defence, snuffing out any potential attacks with consummate ease and also in offence where the forwards of Jake Dunn , Jason Smith , Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Wasim Shabir created the territorial advantage for Chris Spencer and Josh Lynam to set attacks on their way. Martyn Broadley bagged a try in both halves to maintain an excellent scoring record, with Spencer and Stead both chipping in with a brace of tries in what turned out to be a training run for the Cubs helping Conor Caveney and Gwyn Drysdale both settle back into the swing of things in their first run out for a number of weeks .
The scoring continued with neat angled runs from Shabir and Tattersall Jarvis producing power play tries that even better teams would struggle to contain. Perhaps the try of the match was scored by man of the match Josh Lynam who took an inside pass from Spencer at pace to sprint in from 30 yards completely splitting the beleaguered Halifax defence.
Whilst Halifax Vandals showed promise at times, the Cubs were far too strong and in no mood to gift any chance of a score.
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19th Feb
Keighley Cougar Cubs 16 Elland 12
The two in form under 13s teams of the division met in a titanic struggle that was always going to be a tough encounter with the Cubs eager to show their new found steel as they aimed to extend their winning streak to 6 games. Elland, confident after wins against the Cubs earlier in the season in both Cup and league were aggressive from the start as both teams made good use of their sizeable props and second rowers to test defences on the heavy pitch . First blood went to Elland in a strike from distance that had their powerful centres cut through the Cubs defence after 5 minutes to open up the scores . The Cubs however were on a roll and were not going to allow Elland to steam roller them as they had done other teams in the league. Wasim Shabir and Josh Lynam were awesome in attack as they smashed into the dogged Elland tacklers making ground every time they received the ball. The forwards of Aaron Tattersall Jarvis,Jake Dunn and Jason Smith similarly showed their improving defensive qualities in their determined brick wall like tackling and powerful drives up field. In a tight first half the Cubs equaliser came from a shrewd kick from Chris Spencer which was matched by an excellent chase by wing man Lee Thompson who pressurised Elland into spilling the ball into the Cougars hands. A quick scoot from Jamie Pickles and an impressive conversion by Spencer closed the half at 6 points each.
The cubs started the second half with a grit and determination that shook the Elland team. Josh Ives directed the attacks from hooker with darting runs and inch perfect passing that allowed the likes of Jordan Aitchison to torment and turn the Elland defence. The next score was pure brilliance as centre Martyn Broadley bulldozed a track down the right wing and when met by strong defence deftly offloaded to the alert Luke Chapman in support who sprinted to the line for a converted try under the post .This was Chapmans first try for the Cubs and the start of what must be a tremendous scoring partnership with Broadley for the Cubs.
Elland were rocked and started to increase the physical aspect of the game .The cubs to their credit remained strong with Josh Lynam, Joe Palmer and Jamie Pickles putting their bodies on the line against a marauding Elland team. After several minutes of excellent defence, the Cubs line was once more broken and a try scored to level the scores.
Two months ago the Cubs may well have caved in at this point and conceded further tries. This however was a Cubs team with team spirit, and a strength and determination that strived for each other to make sure they were not going to be defeated. Chris Spencer running extremely well with the ball set up an attack that brought in Aitchison, man of the match Shabir and Paul Feather. On the fifth and last Josh Lynam kicked cross field with a precision that allowed Lee Thompson once more chasing for the line, to touch down for a well worked score in the corner in the try of the day.
Elland then threw everything they had at the tiring Cubs, their final attack by their strike centre was snuffed out by a textbook rear tackle by Josh Ives 10 metres from the line. At the final whistle the Cubs knew they had won a major struggle , but a struggle they would surely stand them in good stead in future matches.
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12th Feb
Keighley Cougar Cubs 36 Underbank 16
The under 13s claimed a tremendous 5th consecutive win against a strong Underbank team on a sticky pitch that made handling difficult. Indeed Underbanks strength was clear from the start when a knock on at the kick off gave Underbank territory on the Cubs 10 metre line. Quick pass outs from the resultant scrum and pace and strength from their centre provided an early opening try and warning to the cubs that this was not going to be an easy game.
The Cubs hit back however with impressive power play from the hard working forwards of Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Jake Dunn. The Cubs drove up the pitch , the momentum being continued by Martyn Broadley whose deceptive speed took him past the defensive line to score in the corner which was brilliantly converted by Ben Stead.
The Cubs then started to pile on the pressure from the kick off with a good kick and chase pressuring Underbank into a handling error that allowed the Broadley to score on the blind side in a well worked move from the scrum which Stead again converted.
The Cubs then started to pass the ball around with Chris Spencer linking with Jordan Aitchison to send Jamie Pickles in for a great try given the conditions. Jordan Aitchison and Jamie Pickles are fast becoming a useful partnership with pace to question any defence. The Cubs then had to defend as Underbank probed. Shaun Newton was excellent tackling from marker snuffing out several attacks, with Josh Lynam as usual in top form.
The final score of the half again came of good forward drives from man of the match Wasim Shabir who tore through the opposition whenever he received the ball. Shabir, Jason Smith and Martyn Broadley brought the cubs to within 10 metres of the line. A quick play the ball then saw hooker Josh Ives jink around the defence and show good strength to take a well earned try. At 20 points to 6 at half time the Cubs had made good use of the downhill slope but knew Underbanks strong centres could trouble them.
Indeed from the kick off the Underbank team scored immediately with an excellent full length of the pitch try that gave the Cubs a wake up call. Wasim Shabir then went on a ranging run that brought him to within 5 metres of the line, a neat off load to Chris Spencer showing excellent support play redressed the scores.
A period of enthralling end to end rugby then ensued. The right wing partnership of Aitchison ,Newton and Joe Thorpe kept Underbank at bay, however Underbank showing true grit eventually scored again with another long range try despite a heroic tackling effort by Joe Palmer. The Cubs however were not finished, firstly Shabir powered in from close range to claim a well deserved try to be joined for the last try of the game shortly afterwards by man of steel Josh Lynam , who was not going to be denied a score given all his efforts in the game.
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5th Feb
Keighley CC U 13s 18 West Bowling 0
The Cubs had their best match of the season to date on the back of three recent wins. Historically, West Bowling always is a good match and this one was to be no exception. From the first whistle and the West Bowling kick off things looked like they could go wrong for the Cubs as they knocked on straight away giving WB the advantage. However, this was to be the start of a day where defending was virtually faultless from the lads. Tackle after tackle came in strong and hard from the Cubs, then a break away for them saw Ben Stead go over the try line for the first of his two tries of the day. From the restart the attacking was excellent, good strong runs from Chris Spencer and Jason Smith saw the Cubs move up to the Bowling line again. The ball went through several sets of hands and then presented itself for Stead again to get the try. This spurred the Cubs on with great attacking play from Joshes Ives and Lynam which led to the ball going to Jordan Aitchison for some very good attacking play. The ball was being passed up and down the lines, and really West Bowling had very little to offer in reply. Man of the Match Wasim Shabir showed great power and runs time after time, tearing into the Bowling defence, on one occasion passing to Josh Ives before he was grounded with a slightly high tackle!. West Bowling appeared to be shell shocked at this attack force, the resident forwards Aaron Tattersall-Jarvis and Jake Dunn were forcing the ball forward and the centres and backs passed it around and went dodging in and out. New signing Luke Chapman had some good running attacks and will be one to watch.
At half time it was 8-0.
The second half was the more of the same but as time went on the Cubs increased in confidence. Great running and attacking led to Martyn Broadley scoring in the top corner for the first of his two tries. The Cubs were now chomping at the bit and were encouraging each other like a team who believed they could win. The only time West Bowling looked like they may score was stopped by excellent defending by Jamie Pickles and Joe Palmer. The substitutes Shaun Newton and Lee Thompson were strong as the tackles crunched in time and again. Pickles and Aitchison working well together on the wing got the ball and it seemed to go through hands like a knife through butter to Martyn Broadley again who went at least half the field to score his second. Hush fell on the pitch as Spencer kicked to bring the score to 18. The cubs tried and tried after to get a fifth try but WB stood firm on their line, denying Shabir, TJ, Pickles, Aitchison, Ives each on the line. Even when WB got the ball back and broke the Cubs were determined to defend to the end and keep the opposition out and this they did. The new found belief they have in themselves showed in their whole attitude and game and when the final whistle went, loud cheers could be heard over Utley!
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Queensbury 8 Keighley Cougar Cubs 24
The under 13s produced their best team performance of the season in an outstanding spectacle against a strong and physical Queensbury team. The Cubs after two previous easy games had to step up a gear to contain Queensbury and gave no quarter as they were led by some tenacious tackling stints by Josh's Lynam and Ives who put in some telling tackles that shook the Queensbury players. After several minutes of end to end Rugby the Cubs thought they had scored after some strong running by Martyn Broadley but he was harshly judged to have been held up over the line.
Luke Chapman in his first game for the Cubs linked up well with Broadley to steady the right wing and should prove in quick time to be an invaluable addition to the squad.
Ben Stead produced his best kicking game of the season with some probing kicks. Indeed Steads kick through and excellent chase by the speedy Jamie Pickles following a slick passing move across the field opened up the scoring. Power plays by forwards Wasim Shabir and the improving Jason Smith then started to provide the cougars with territorial advantage down the slope in the first half. Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Jake Dunn terrorised the Queensbury defence with pounding drives and tough tackling, but it was Stead again who set up the Cubs second try with a perfectly placed cross field kick that Jamie Pickles collected on the full for an impressive second try.
Queensbury then started to show their mettle with driving runs themselves. Danger from kicks on the last tackle were snuffed out by Joe Palmer who was outstanding at full back in both the collection of high balls and with textbook one on one tackles. Queensbury then registered a score despite strong defence, they threw the ball out wide to squeeze in on the line just in the corner. Some fine approach play by Chris Spencer and Broadley then set up the try of the half with Ben Stead kicking over the defence and following up to score under the post to take the score to 4 points to 14 at half time.
The second half was a more physical affair with both teams working hard to make yardage. Again and again Broadley and Shabir broke through the line, only to be tackled by a throng of Queensbury players, the Cubs matched them tackle for tackle with Josh Ives's work rate from marker helping to pen Queensbury in their own half. The Cubs next score came from another passing move that almost came unstuck. Jamie pickles carried the ball forward managed to offload in the tackle to Ben Stead who too came under pressure but managed to scoop the ball backwards along the ground for an alert Jordan Aitchison to pick up an scoot in for a try that made the result safe.
Queensbury however never gave up and claimed a second try with 5 minutes to go. Man of the match Martyn Broadley was not finished however and chased an attacking kick through ripped the ball out of the Queensbury players hands and dropped over the line to finish the game off in what was a very impressive team performance to be proud of, full of grit, determination and skill and restraint.
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Keighley Cougar Cubs 60 Huddersfield Sharks 0
The cubs made it two good wins in two weeks with an awesome show of rugby on a cold winters morning. From the first kick and chase the cubs were never really under threat. Certain players had moved positions for experience in different roles so it remained to be seen how the match would develop. Aaron Tatersall-Jarvis started the match with a great charge down the pitch. The passes down the hill then set Lee Thompson up for the opening try, which was converted by Ben Stead. From the restart the Cougars were on the attack and this culminated with Wasim Sabir going over the line for the first of a very well deserved hat trick. Chris Spencer adding the points. Huddersfield had the ball only for a short while before some tough tackling from Josh Lynam gave the cubs back possession and the ball flowed to the top end of the pitch through many hands, culminating with Jordan Aitchison going over for the first of his brace of tries. The cubs were now alight and ready to go again, some demon tackles from Lynam and Martyn Broadly kept the Sharks camped on their line. On the fifth tackle the Sharks kicked only to be met by Jamie Pickles who ran half the pitch to score in the bottom corner. The cubs were in attacking mood and Broadley narrowly missed out on another try by a good tackle from the Sharks who put him into touch on the right wing. However, the cubs were not for giving up and from the scrum got the ball back and it flew up to the top end of the pitch where it again went through many hands before a beautifully timed pass from Josh Ives put Joe Thorpe in at the corner for a well deserved try which Spencer converted.
The half time score was 26-0 and maybe the thought of slacking would enter the lads minds but no, they came out for the second half as eager. The crowd were in good spirits in this amicable and enjoyable game and watched as tackles and runs were the order of the day. Gwyn Drysdale, Paul Feather, Jake Dunn, Chris Spencer, Jason Smith and Lynam were tackling ferociously whilst others enjoyed runs with the ball, Joe Palmer only missing out on a try by being knocked into touch at the last minute by a Shark defender. However, the scorers were back again with Martyn Broadley running like the clappers up the field to score a great try, with Stead converting It was then even more like a training run for the cubs with Shabir powering up the hill for a further two tries but for raw power the two tries by Tatersall-Jarvis bounding up the hill were good to see.
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15th Jan 2006
Keighley Cougar Cubs 40 Guiseley 0
The Cougar Cubs roared back to winning ways with a 40 points to nil hammering of Guiseley. This was a much improved team performance with the first score coming in the 3rd minute with Lee Thompson finishing off in style a passing move that Guiseley struggled to contain. Aaron Tattersall Jarvis ran straight and hard to torment the opposition aided and abetted by the much improved Jake Dunn who is having an excellent season. It was a second rowers drive by the powerful Gwyn Drysdale that set up Martyn Broadley for the first of his three tries of the afternoon. Broadley is fast becoming a key strike attacker with improving pace to match his strength. Ben Stead , back to his best , then stepped in to bamboozle Guiseley with a trademark jinking run that was missing in last weeks performance.
The cubs then increased the pressure on Guisely with some sterling tackling that prevented any encroachment by Guisley into the Cubs half of the field. Man of the match and captain for the day Josh Lynam led the way with some excellent text book tackling that shook the opposition . He was joined in this department by Wasim Shabir and Paul Feather who together with Chris Spencer completely demoralised Guiseley. Wasim Shabir continuing his good performances of late then took the next points with a well trained in move from acting half crashing through from 30 yards to score under the posts for a 26 points to nil half time score.
The heavy pitch caused both teams to tire in the second half, but opened the game up for the back line to come into play with Chris Spencer looking particularly good carrying of the ball. Josh Ives stepped up his game with some tremendous tackling from marker and Jordan Aitchison and Jamie Pickles started to get more of the ball and cause trouble.
The first score of the half was almost a carbon copy of the first try of the game, with Jason Smith , and Chris Spencer teaming up well to send in Broadley for his third try of the game.
Guiseley then had their best period of the game and started to make inroads into the Cubs half but Joe's Palmer and Thorpe and Shaun Newton, back from a broken arm, led the defensive line well to close up and snuff out the attacks. A break out by Lynam and then Aitchison took the Cubs back within range of the Guiseley line. Close enough indeed for Josh Ives to scoot in to score from acting half . Jordan Aitchison then mirrored this move 5 minutes later to round off the scoring and finish the game in style.
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8th Jan 2006
Elland 18 Cubs 10
The Christmas break played its part in dulling the attacking flair and passing moves that the Cubs had started to show prior to the festive season. Indeed this was perhaps a game that the Cubs know they should have won had they played to their potential. In a frustrating first half where an early knock on from the kick off set the Cubs onto the back foot and some basic handling errors not seen in previous games crept into the Cougar play that gifted territory to the Elland team. The territorial advantage resulted in two un answered tries in the first half and one conversion to gift Elland a 10 points to nil half time advantage. Losing the powerful second rower Conor Caveney early in the fray also dulled the attacking opportunities. However there were glimpses of good play with Wasim Shabir tackling well accompanied by flu ridden Josh Lynam. Joe Palmer despite taking several knocks also carried the ball forward well.
The second half proved more successful for the Cubs with defence early on stiffening up with Jordan Aitchison and Josh Ives both making text book tackles to prevent scores. Aaron Tattersall Jarvis used his weight to good effect particularly against the opposition props and Jake Dunn was outstanding in his drives up the pitch.
The Cubs opened their account with a rare passing move that saw Chris Spencer pass to winger Jordan Aitchison to sprint past the opposition from the half way line and score under the post. Had the team used this tactic more then the outcome of the game could well have been different. Ben Stead converted to bring the scores back to 10 points to 6. An unconverted breakaway try from Elland was quickly followed by an excellent individual effort from Cubs man of the match Wasim Shabir who carried the ball through several Elland players to score a well earned try to give the Cubs hope in the dying minutes of the game. An Elland try straight from the kick off however then killed the game leaving the Cubs to ponder on what might have been.
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11th December
King Cross 28 Cubs 10
With 5 minutes to go the Cubs were one try down and pressurising the Halifax teams line when 2 quick tries killed the game and the final whistle went to close a tough encounter that the spoils could have gone to either team.
The game started worryingly for the cubs with an early try for King Cross after 3 minutes. The Cubs rallied with man of the match Jake Dunn leading the way with excellent drives through the opposition. On 8 minutes the Cubs played great Rugby to spread the King Cross defence and allow just enough room for Martyn Broadley to power over in the corner to draw level . Aaron Tattersall Jarvis and Jason Smith both ran hard to keep King Cross at bay with Josh Lynam as usual putting in outstanding effort in defence. Chris Spencer also troubled the King Cross defence with cross field runs that gained useful territory. One more score in the half went to King Cross whose loose forward was the difference between the two sides in a 4 try haul.
Down 16 4 at half time it was the Cubs who came out the stronger in the second half. Gwyn Drysdale ran well with Wasim Shabir strong in the second row, but with both defences holding firm scoring opportunities in the first 10 minutes were few. The best try of the gane was then scored by the Cubs. It was started by an up and under by Josh Lynam that was matched by a good chase and eventually picked up by Jordan Aitchison who sprinted to the line from 30 yards to leave an easy conversion for Ben Stead. More pressure from the cubs however failed to produce a score to drag the cubs to level terms and despite all efforts a couple of late tries gave the King Cross team a flattering scoreline.
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4th December
Cubs 52 Littleborough 0
The Cubs demolished Littleborough in a 10 try haul and gave a defensive performance that offered little opportunity for the Lancashire side to trouble the scoreboard. On a heavy pitch the cubs soon discovered that their superior strength in the forwards would set up the platform to develop a useful points total towards league placement. Loose forward Josh Lynam opened the scoring with a plundering run through a weak line defence to touchdown in the corner. This was quickly followed by a Martyn Broadley try ,again in the corner, but set up by a neat pass from Jordan Aitchison in his first outing at acting half.
The floodgates opened when Man of the Match Josh Ives's clever dummy sent the defence running in the wrong direction to leave a gap to score by the posts and an easy conversion for Ben Stead.
Aaron Tattersall Jarvis then stepped up and bulldozed the Littleborough team aside and crashed over from 10m yards for the first of his two tries in a game that showed the Cubs had attacking strength in depth with 8 players grabbing tries. Prop Jake Dunn then showed impressive strength to break the line with 3 Littleborough players hanging onto his back to take the score at half time to 24 points to nil.
The Littleborough team might have hoped the Cubs would tire up the hill in the second half. The Cubs of course did not oblige with Aaron Tattersall Jarvis in an outstanding effort collected his second try.Littleborough then had their one and early break of the game with good centre play opening up the Cubs defence and a 40 yard run to the line. However full back Jamie Pickles sprinted back to make an outstanding try saving tackle to keep the Littleborough score to nil.
Despite several strong runs in the first half Conor Caveney had failed to score in the first half, and he was beginning to feel left out of the action. Good interplay between Ives, Lynam and Wasim Shabir then set Conor up for a 20 yard dash to the line with the Littleborough defence unable to halt the juggernaught second rowers progress.
Ben Stead then sneaked in to score a try from acting half at the next attack to complement his 6 conversions in the rout that in the last 2 minutes had Josh Lynam pick up his second try and Jamie Pickles fini