Keighley 6, Skipton 15

Skipton completed a Yorkshire Division One double over Keighley with a good overall performance that brought two tries, a penalty and a conversion to Keighley’s two penalties.

The mid-table game had the added spice of being a derby. It started at a brisk pace with Keighley determined to test out the Skipton defence with a forward onslaught, led superbly by captain Leigh Sugden, with close support from hooker Nathan Thornton and second-row Bob Clarke.

Skipton absorbed the early pressure and, against the run of play, came close to scoring with an intercepted pass but, luckily for Keighley, full back Nigel Curr made a try-saving tackle.

There followed a series of attacks by the visitors, lively wing forward Jantjes and No 10 Thomsen exploiting gaps around the breakdown area, which eventually led to a try in the corner for winger Ray.

Keighley replied with further forward pressure, especially at the scrums, which led to a penalty for young Alex Brown.

Skipton responded with a penalty from Adam Oldfield and the first half ended with Keighley battering the Skipton line only to be repulsed.

The second half was in many respects similar to the first. Al-though Skipton raised their game, Keighley continued to dominate the forward exchanges.

However, they were unable to stretch the Skipton defence, and only had a further penalty from Brown to show for their efforts. Although the score was close, Keighley ran out of ideas.

Too often they chose the wrong option, such as putting themselves under pressure through attempting to run the ball in their own 22 or and kicking hard-earned possession away.

With ball in hand, Skipton looked more dangerous and towards the end of the contest their back row began to dominate, linking well with their slick-handling three-quarters.

The second-half deadlock was broken when quick ruck ball and quick hands gave centre Richards a clear run to the try line, Oldfield converting.

Overall, Keighley battled well, gaining adequate possession and good territorial positions.

However, their excellent work-rate was not enough. They lacked a cutting edge and the ability to break down defences and score tries, which must be a concern for their coaching staff.

  • Saturday's teams - Keighley First XV (home to Selby, 2.15pm kick-off, meet 12.45pm): N Curr; M Brett, M Langstaff, S Dyson, D Lester; A Brown, A Balderstone; R Leach, N Thornton, P Sinfield, R Clarke, M Feather, W Armitage, S Inman, L Sugden. Replacements: A Marklew, J Currie, M Symes.

Keighley Second XV (at Skipton-2, 2.15pm kick-off, meet 12.15pm, cars) from: T Wilkinson; L Carter, M Phillips, C Spencer, M Lock-wood, J Walker; P Britland, K Bottomley; M Hagyard, C Dyson, T Hagyard, M Kenrick, R Balderstone, S Long, D Muff, J Hannah, C Wright, P Salmon.

Keighley Third XV (home to Old Otliensians A, 2.15pm kick-off, meet 1pm) from: E Walker; B Baker, A Horsforth, W Milner, S Walker; S Brown, L Uren; G Fletcher, R Lloyd, S Heald, C Morris, R Bayfield, A Waligura, A Sugden, P Schofield, P Olsson, D Sinton, P Blackwell, B Varley, R Whitehead, S Day, J Blackburn, M Harrison, J Hargreaves, J Morton, J Tillotson, S Welch, M Finn, A Webb, J Kubran.