KEIGHLEY RUFC are looking to make it third time lucky against Bradford Salem this Saturday in the Yorkshire Shield final.

And victory for Dan McGee’s side would be extra sweet given their derby rivals were the main reason for them missing out on promotion this season.

By early November 2023, Keighley looked the most likely Bradford District side to win Counties One Yorkshire, with Salem not even in the picture.

Even when the Rose Cottage side lost 9-3 at Shay Lane, there did not seem to be too much to be alarmed about.

But not only did Salem win that day, but they have won every competitive game they have had since, which led to them pipping Wetherby to the league title and winning the Papa John’s Community Cup Counties One North Plate.

That run included the Shay Laners coming to Rose Cottage and ending Keighley’s near five-year unbeaten run at home in February.

McGee’s men finished third in the table, but would have gone up had they won either of their league games against Salem.

But they can still get revenge in this Saturday’s cup final, which will be held at Doncaster RUFC.

Keighley are well rested, having not played since their Papa John’s Community Cup Counties One North Championship defeat to Widnes on Saturday, April 13.

But Salem are the ones with all the momentum, having won their Papa John’s final against Old Aldwinians in Darlington last weekend.

And they will also want to avenge losing the Shield final last year against Baildon.