RIPON 12 Keighley 38 - In a break from the league campaign Keighley overcame Yorkshire League Two strugglers Ripon with a blend of exciting efficiency mixed with a dash of abject mediocrity.
Lack of a cutting edge cost them dearly in the opening exchanges when for the first 15 minutes they battered relentlessly at the home defence with only a penalty goal by full back Jonathan Hargreaves to show for their efforts.
Their early mistakes began to look costly, Ripon taking full advantage of Keighley's lack of organisation when centre Haddow beat Willie Hafu to the touchdown following a hack on to the line and then wingman Kevin Guy forced his way over from a tapped penalty award, with scrum half Scott McAra converting.
Eventually Keighley began to appreciate the seriousness of the situation and, after centre Nigel Curr and a home wingman had been condemned to the sin bin following a minor midfield spat, they started to play with more fluency. Good interplay by Johnny Harrison and Matthew Cox led to Hafu charging through a reluctant defence for a try between the posts, converted by Hargreaves. This proved to be the first of three Keighley tries in the space of five minutes to take the game beyond Ripon's reach.
A dashing break by Hargreaves gave Cox a clear run to the line before Hargreaves himself crossed after a brilliant solo run from half way. His conversion gave Keighley a comfortable 24-12 lead at half time.
New Zealander Hargreaves further underlined his influence on the game early in the second half when he drew the defence before again handing on to the speedy Cox who crossed for his second try, improved again by Hargreaves. Keighley were now well in control as Ripon ran out of stamina and ideas. Their pack continued to contest well at times, but the visitors always looked dangerous with the ball in hand. Hafu battled his way over for his second try with Hargreaves' conversion completing the scoring, although several times Keighley came close to adding to their lead.
Once they had settled Keighley had run in 35 points without reply in a victory owed much to the attacking skills of Jonathan Hargreaves and Matthew Cox and the generalship in the backs of centre Kevin Young.
The pick of the forwards were hooker Willie Hafu and flanker Lee Gordon. A more focussed effort will, however, be required in Saturday's league contest at Old Brodleians.
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