Heath 13 Keighley 32 - Gloomy wet late winter afternoons at Halifax are hardly the stuff of holiday brochures, but another solid and disciplined performance by Keighley left their growing band of supporters with a strong feel-good factor after their visit. With two sides to be promoted, elevation to Yorkshire League One is virtually a reality.

Both sides struggled at times to come to terms with the increasingly muddy conditions and it was to their credit that in spite of the relentless downpour, there were passages of skilful ball handling.

It was clear from the start that Heath would be no pushover and they twice held the lead in the opening minutes through two penalty goals by their talented full back Ryan Piper. In between Keighley grabbed the first try when second row forward Paul Salmon, their most improved player of the season, stormed over in the corner after a well worked set piece move from an attacking line out.

Keighley's forwards again proved to be the foundation of their ultimate success. Their work rate never slackened despite the energy sapping conditions. The second row partnership of Peter Southgate and Paul Salmon revelled in the close contact work and in the open play and both were held up close to the line after bullocking charges at the opposition. Eventually forward pressure led to a penalty goal by Johnny Harrison which restored Keighley's lead, but they were fortunate soon afterwards when the usually reliable Piper was off target with a straightforward penalty attempt.

Keighley's second try was a significant morale booster, coming as it did, just before half time. From a scrum 10 metres from the Heath line, scrum half Scott Amos' well judged chip ahead was touched down by wingman Matthew Cox with Harrison converting to establish a lead of 15 points to 6.

Heath enjoyed their best passage of play early in the second half. Skipper Alistair Gordon led the way with some good line out work and a penetrating run by Piper forced the best out of the Keighley defence. Keighley were penned in their 22 metre area for several long minutes and were lucky to survive when second row forward Nigel Royston was bundled over the line but was unable to secure the touchdown.

The siege was finally lifted and a strong run by Carl Smith, Keighley's best back on the day, took play deep into the Heath half. The forwards were quickly up in support and skipper Rob Riley was driven over the line after good work by Paul Sinfield. Again referee Mr Staines was unable to signal a try, but Keighley's disappointment was short lived. The backs made light of the conditions and slick passing opened the way for Carl Smith to display a combination of skill, acceleration and strength as he cut through for an excellent try converted by Johnny Harrison.

Health refused to capitulate, however, and deservedly closed the gap when Royston forced his way over for a try after a tapped penalty with Piper converting. It was by then too late for any serious threat to Keighley's lead and it was the visitors who claimed the final points, when No.8 Peter Schofield picked up and dived over from close range, with Harrison adding another conversion and a late penalty goal for good measure.

Attention is now focussed on Saturday's home game against second placed Malton & Norton (kick off 3pm). The visitors inflicted a narrow defeat over Keighley in September and Keighley will be anxious to gain revenge and at the same time secure the win which should guarantee promotion as champions. It should be quite a day with the visitors themselves, knowing that a victory for them could ensure that they grab the second promotion place.