Celtic power to National Youth final

Keighley Cougars 12

CELTIC reached the Gillette National Youth League Grand Final with victory in close encounter last Sunday.

They will face Ince Rose Bridge in the final this Friday (November 19) at Featherstone Rovers RLFC, kick-off 7.30pm.

A tight first half saw the sides tied 4-4. Celtic opened the scoring in the 10th minute as Andy Bates put in a crossfield kick which was picked up by Oliver Hallas who scored an unconverted try in the corner.

Keighley went close when Ashley Honeyman followed up a kick through, only for Celtic to clear the ball dead.

The hosts produced some strong defensive work but Keighley finally struck as Luke Whiteley darted over out wide.

Despite suffering injuries Celtic continued with strong attacking play after the break. Matty Sheridan raced 40 metres down the wing before passing inside for James Delaney to score between the posts. Matty Sheridan converted for a 10-4 lead.

Keighley then came back strongly and after 48 minutes Jamie Stephenson found himself with a two-man overlap to score in the corner while soon after there was a second try for Whiteley. Both were unconverted but Keighley led 12-10.

Celtic stormed back and Danny Buckley dived over the line but the score was ruled out for a knock-on. Buckley was not to be denied in the 62nd minute he saw a gap from acting half-back and raced 10 metres for a try by the posts.

Sheridan converted for a 16-12 lead and Celtic struck again three minutes later Bates put an high kick, Keighley knocked on and Tommy Crabtree was in position to collect the loose ball and score an unconverted try at the corner.

Celtic’s defence stood firm and late on they went close again as Josh Brooke and Sheridan combined to send Oliver Hallas clear but was pulled back for a forward pass.

Josh Sykes was named Celtic’s MoM.

Ince Rose Bridge beat last year’s runners-up Stanningley 42-26 in the other semi-final.

A coach for spectators will leave the Dewsbury Irish National League Club at 6pm on Friday.

Admission to the final is adults £3 and concessions £1.