Yorkshire One: Keighley 32 Old Brodleians 31

A CRACKING game saw Keighley, who were outplayed for most of the match, clinch victory with the last kick of the game thanks to sheer determination and hard graft.

They started well with some free-flowing rugby. From a scrum in the opposition half, number eight Leigh Sugden broke free and he scored out wide after a quick pass and return.

However, loose kicking from Keighley's half-backs gave Brods free possession and the opportunity to attack from deep. Strong running from their backs, especially centre Laurie Hamer, and poor defensive line speed caused the hosts no end of problems.

Eventually the defence cracked and speedy number eight Rob Jennings broke free to score under the posts, centre Phil Town adding the conversion.

With their tails up, Old Brods continually pressured the Keighley line, forcing errors that led to a penalty for Town.

Keighley were struggling and only strong midfield defence and excellent covering play from 17-year-old open side wing forward Tom Willson kept them at bay.

As half-time approached, a strong break down the left and some good offloading gave number eight Jennings his second try, once again converted by Town.

Trailing 17-5, it looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for Keighley.

Alex Brown eased the pressure with a well-struck penalty but Brods forced a lineout in the Keighley five-metre area, and clean ball and a concerted drive gave wing forward Danny Vento the chance to touch down, Town adding the difficult touchline conversion.

Keighley, to their great credit, forced their way back into the game and some strong running from centres Adam Horsfall and Sean Kelly took play deep into Brods territory.

Quick hands gave Horsfall the opportunity to drive his way to the line before he drew the last man and delivered an inch-perfect pass for winger Kyle Akrigg to touch down.

The score gave Keighley confidence as line-out pressure gave their physical scrum half Lucas Uren the chance to break through and deliver a try-scoring pass for supporting forward Stuart Inman, Brown adding the conversion.

Not to be outdone, Old Brods extended their lead with some slick play which gave their outstanding number eight Jennings his hat-trick try. The extras were added by Town.

With time running out, the visitors were penalised with a yellow card for a head-high tackle and, from that point onwards, Keighley lifted their game, causing havoc in the scrums.

Sustained pressure gave second row Luke Carter a gap that he squeezed through to go over the try line.

With five minutes to go, Keighley were dominant and intense pressure saw the Brods defence buckle.

Outstanding forward Sugden grabbed his second try under the posts and skipper Brown added the winning extra two points with the last play of the match.

Keighley remained in seventh spot, with victory closing the gap on Old Brods, who are one place above them, to eight points.

Dave Duxbury's men head to third-placed Heath on Saturday.