Determined Keighley give Yorkshire One leaders Bridlington a tough test

KEIGHLEY made light of the absence of several first-choice players as they gave the Yorkshire One leaders a tough test.

They put their heavy 65-14 defeat at York in their previous game behind them as contributed fully to a battle between two committed teams.

Bridlington started well and their winger Ben Johnson intercepted a long pass to race 50 yards to score wide out. In the opening minutes.

Keighley responded quickly and their determined forwards forced a penalty that outside half Alex Brown converted.

The visitors replied with a well-struck penalty from outside half Mathew Welch, but as the half-time whistle approached, Keighley were making life difficult for their opponents.

Joe Richards and Josh Hannah were in fine form in the back row and made inroads into the Bridlington defence.

They provided the backs with a plentiful supply of good possession but, all too often, promising plays were spoiled through poor handling out wide.

The only reward for their efforts was a further penalty for Brown.

Bridlington were again first off the mark in the second half. Quick ball from the forwards gave their backs the chance to make ground and scrum half Otis Floyd rounded the defence to score in the corner.

Keighley raised their game and threatened the opposition line on a number of occasions, but opportunities went squandered through poor handling.

Bridlington, with their half backs running their attacks, were much more accurate and made better use of possession.

They forced the Keighley defence to narrow, which allowed winger Johnson the space he needed to beat the last man to score his second.

Although Keighley grafted and gained good ground, they were unable to break down a well organised defence.

After absorbing a great deal of pressure, Bridlington drove play up field and a half break by outside half Welch gave centre Ryan Girking the chance to break through for a try which full back Gareth Roberts converted.

The Keighley forwards, realising that time was running out, exerted extreme pressure.

Number eight Leigh Sugden was always a threat with ball in hand and went within inches of scoring.

Possession was quickly recycled and moved along the backs. Full back Alfie Seeley joined the line and gave a neat try-scoring pass to flying winger Joe Copperwaite.

Bridlington on balance deserved to win the match but Keighley – after a heavy defeat the previous week and with some first-choice players missing – did themselves proud by playing with spirit and determination.