Skolars Director of Rugby, Mark Croston, take his weekly look at the events of the past seven days  and looks forward to this weekend’s game . . .

Although the scoreline may suggest otherwise, we competed throughout Saturdays game and were a match for the league leaders for most of the game. Swinton received three times the number of penalties we had and, as such, we had to defend for much of the game. That said, we once again failed to convert our chances, which ultimately cost us later in the game.

Good to see Jason Hart and Saqib Murtza back in the front row – our pack were dominant for most of the game and worked well as a unit.  We will need another dominant performance from the forwards this weekend when we take on the Scorpions.  Despite Saturday’s setback,  everyone is working hard to take maximum points from our remaining three games and for the trip to Wales we will need to be at our best.  South Wales have shown they are capable of beating anyone on their day – a big test for us.

The Skolars Juniors Presentation Evening followed Saturday’s game.  The progress the juniors have made this year is a significant acheivement. Congratulations to Thomas Bowden, Iman Ortac, Rodell Reid, Jack Clover, Donovan Noble, Sahid Kpaka, Iliess Macani, Dion Chapman, Anthony Kaana and James Clarke who all won awards.  The juniors also recognized the fantastic season Gareth Honor has had so far presenting him with their First Team Award.

With the Carnegie Challenge Cup Semi-Finals taking place this weekend,  attention will inevitably turn to the Wembley Final. Our season closer at Friday night Lights, on the eve of the final, is shaping up to be crucial to Keighley’s hopes of promotion. The three Cooperative Championship points on offer will be vital to them – for us we will be looking to finish the season on  a real high and give our fans a taste of what is to come in 2012.  If you haven’t already booked your  tickets I suggest you do so now – they are selling fast so don’t miss out!