The first game of the season produced a hard earned, if unspectacular victory for understrength Keighley RUFC as they overcame North Ribblesdale 19-10.

The contest saw both sides lacking in cohesion and direction. The forwards slugged it out doggedly up front with Keighley often losing their way in the lineouts.

Both sets of backs looked jittery and lacking in imagination with midfield defences on top.

The first scoring chance fell to the home side when wingman Martin Hughes was off target with a penalty goal attempt after 10 minutes play.

Keighley then did well to defend against a spirited and prolonged Ribblesdale assault on their line which led ultimately to a successful penalty kick by Hughes for offside.

Soon afterwards the home lead was increased when centre Jonathan Richards twisted out of a tackle to cross between the posts with Hughes converting.

At this stage Keighley were struggling to contain the running of Ribblesdale full back Gareth Evans and the aggression of No.8 Ryan Kirkbride, but two well struck penalty goals by John Harrison hauled them back into contention by half time.

Excellent line kicking by Harrison penned play in the Ribblesdale half as the second period began, but the home side then combined well to drive play almost to the Keighley line. A dangerous attack was thwarted when wingman Chris Watts intercepted and made 50 metres before being reigned in. Flanker John Gibson supported well and was on hand to complete the move with a try wide out but well converted by Harrison,

The three-point lead put something of a spring in Keighley's step. Another penalty goal by Harrison, before he departed with a knee injury, increased the lead and a late penalty goal by Matt Gaffney finally shut the door on a tiring Ribblesdale side. Even with Leigh in the sin bin, Keighley easily held out.

They will face much sterner opposition but with a handful of first choice players still to return there is good reason to look forward with confidence.

Saturday's home league game against Huddersfield YMCA should prove to be a good test of that confidence.