KEIGHLEY ended Leodiensian’s unbeaten record in Counties One Yorkshire, and maintained their own, with a fine 36-10 win.

It was Keighley’s first home game of the season but they started slowly, conceding early territory and a try after three minutes to speedy Leodiensian winger Callum Bolton.

Keighley were stung into action by that, and with good possession and the driving play of their lively back row, they put some phases together, only for the rushed handling let them down.

Eventually the pressure told and after a driven line out Sam Booker ploughed through three defenders to score, Alex Brown adding the extras.

Although under the cosh for long periods Leos fought back well, ably prompted by their outside half Matt Procter.

After a period of defensive stalemate, Keighley moved up a gear and put the overworked away defence to the test, moving the point of contact at will.

That created a number of gaps, which allowed winger Alan Ebbrell to burst through the middle to score, with Brown converting.

A late first-half response by Leos almost paid dividends, but the trademark tight Keighley defence kept them out.

The second half saw Keighley at their best, with the forwards linking so well with the backs and Brown calling the shots.

The Leos defence could not cope and Keighley scored a well-deserved driving try for tight head prop Andy Hays, before Brown’s conversion went in off the post.

Brimming with confidence and with a ready supply of quick possession from the forwards, Keighley took the game to a different level, which was very difficult to defend against.

The constant onslaught and excellent control led to two further tries for pacey winger Ebbrell.

Towards the end the game Keighley became a little loose in their play and Leos, with real pace in the backs, took full advantage.

Showing great character they forced Keighley to concede territory and from a maul deep in the Keighley half, excellent second row Mike Pritchard-Haworth broke free to carve his way through the defence to score wide out.

With Keighley sitting on a substantial lead and Leos chasing the game, the play became frenetic and entertaining, both teams committed to keeping the ball alive.

Although Leos came close to scoring, they were finally outdone with a late try from livewire back row Jake Parkinson.

The stylish bonus point victory against good opposition was a credit to the Keighley players and coaching staff and bodes well for the new season.