Keighley condemn Knottingley to relegation in one-sided affair

HAVING already secured promotion to Yorkshire One, this final league match of the season had little significance for Keighley but for South Yorkshire opponents Knottingley, however, the contest was crucial to their survival.

Nothing short of victory would see them avoid relegation but the contest was a one-sided affair, the visitors showing few glimpses of the spirit and aggression needed to prevail.

Keighley were soon on the attack but too many handling errors led to them being unable to capitalise on their territorial advantage.

After several missed opportunities they took the lead on 15 minutes, when they stole the ball from a Knottingley scrum and a strong burst by Leigh Sugden, supported by Lucas Uren, led to flanker Tom Lowther touching down.

No 8 Josh Hannah was next on the scoresheet, picking up from the base of a scrum to force his way over. The lead was extended when referee Owen Taylor awarded a penalty try, converted by Alan Ebbrell, when a Keighley player was denied a score by a high tackle.

It was very much one-way traffic for a dominant Keighley side, in spite of the visitors' brave defence. A determined dash by wingman Sam Walker once again set up a good attacking base, from which prop Craig Spencer crossed between the posts, leaving Ebbrell with a simple conversion to establish a 24-point half-time lead.

With the visitors chasing a lost cause, Keighley took their foot off the pedal in the second half. Centre Ben Blackwell’s strength and hard running made him a constant threat and some energetic play by replacement flanker Danny Drake was rewarded when he forced his way over from a maul close to the line, allowing Blackwell to convert.

A good build-up by the backs then allowed wingman Luke Carter to squeeze in at the corner, with Blackwell adding a fine conversion.

Knottingley, however, stuck gamely to their task and were rewarded when some casual play by Keighley led to a converted interception try by forward Ferguson. It was no more than token resistance and Keighley responded with a second close-range try by the irrepressible Drake, again converted by Blackwell.

On a day when they were seldom stretched, there were noteworthy contributions by backs Blackwell and Walker, whilethe pick of the forwards were second row Joe Atkinson and back row men Hannah and Drake, with a welcome contribution from prop Dave Smith, returning from a long lay-off through injury.

The side must now regroup for a challenging Yorkshire Shield quarter-final match on Wednesday at Yorkshire One opponents Yarnbury.