KEIGHLEY’S Bradford Premier League relegation fears mounted further on Saturday after their nine-wicket defeat at Scholes dropped them into the bottom two in Division Two.

A dismal batting performance saw them bowled out for 66 and Scholes subsequently romped to victory inside 16 overs.

That takes them up to fourth in the table, a position Keighley could only dream of at present.

It could have been even more embarrassing for the visitors on Saturday, had it not been for a last-wicket partnership of 28.

Dillon Birkett, coming in at No.9, was the only batsman to emerge with any credit from the shambles, as he struck 26 not out from 25 balls.

No-one else could even manage double figures, with extras the second top scorer on what was a dreadful afternoon for the Keighley batsmen, Birkett aside.

The only two bowlers used by Scholes, Greg Keywood and Joshua Fell, had a field day, taking five wickets apiece in an innings that lasted less than 26 overs.

Keighley were never going to be able to defend that paltry total, certainly not with Scholes opener James Robson roaring out of the blocks.

He cracked 44 from 45 balls at the top of the innings, meaning his side were almost already over the line by the time he was dismissed by Keighley skipper Simon Bailey.

Simon Bailey's late wicket for Keighley on Saturday made little difference as opponents Scholes romped to victory.Simon Bailey's late wicket for Keighley on Saturday made little difference as opponents Scholes romped to victory. (Image: Richard Leach.)

Needing just eight more runs to win after Robson was dismissed, Christian Jackson ended the innings in style, blasting two sixes to seal a comfortable victory.

He finished up on 12 not out, while Robson’s becalmed opening partner Adam Greenwood was left unbeaten on 15 at the other end.

Keighley have to somehow raise themselves for a trip to East Ardsley on Saturday now, desperate to get back on track with a win that should move them back out of the relegation zone.