Keighley 23

YORK 19

In a break from league action, Keighley entertained Yorkshire League One promotion candidates York at Utley.

Both sides contributed in equal measures to a closely fought and exiting contest, with Keighley deservedly stealing the honours with an impressive second half performance to claim their fourth success of the season against opposition from the higher league.

Keighley were quickly onto the attack, spending most of the first 15 minutes in the visitors half, but lacked the pace and penetration to break down the well organised defence. Full back Carl Smith, playing his first game after a lengthy absence through injury, soon impressed with some spirited running and both he and wingman Warren Knowles were held close to the line as Keighley's backs took advantage of a liberal supply of ball.

York weathered the onslaught and their stylised and pacey three-quarters in turn began to threaten. A sharp break out from defence was spoiled by a forward pass before wingman Kama latched onto an interception and raced in almost unopposed for a try shortly followed by a penalty goal by stand off Kay to open up an eight point lead.

Penalty goals by Johnny Harrison and Scott Amos left Keighley in touch and they were unfortunate not to take the lead when strong running wingman Matthew Cox put a foot in touch before diving over in the corner.

As the game ebbed and flowed there was little to choose between the sides, but York extended their lead just before half time when a good passage of play involving backs and forwards brought a second try for the speedy Kama.

As so often this season, Keighley's forward effort gradually proved decisive. Skipper Rob Riley was again the cornerstone of a solid pack and there were telling contributions from second row Paul Salmon and flanker Lee Gordon. Keighley's ball retention was much improved and careful control eventually allowed scrum half Amos to open up the line for Smith with a neat pass to bring Keighley within 2 points of the York tally.

Smith was soon in action again, his determined break once more stretching the defence and from the break down well re-cycled ball and slick handling by the backs found Salmon lurking on the wing from where he charged over for a well earned try which gave Keighley the lead for the first time.

Replacement stand off Quick soon cancelled out the advantage with two well struck penalty goals, but Keighley's superior fitness and team spirit finally prevailed.

After Amos was just short with a penalty attempt, the forwards followed up smoothly to drive the ball to the line and Amos supplied a scoring pass from a scrum 5 metres out which gave replacement wingman Nigel Curr ample time to touch down for the winning score. Amos' touchline conversion added the icing to the cake.