Keighley 27

Ilkley 20

Keighley's run of 12 consecutive league wins came perilously close to an end when they struggled to contain an energetic Ilkley side. Early in the second half they found themselves in unfamiliar territory when facing a seven point deficit as the visitors, assisted by Keighley's shoddy handling and poor finishing, made the most of their few chances.

Another hat trick of tries by Keighley's prolific No. 8 Peter Schofield, his second such feat in successive games, finally saw off the challenge and kept the push for promotion on course.

The final tally of three tries to one was a fair reflection of Keighley's overall superiority on a day when they should have put the result beyond Ilkley's reach before half time. Chances went begging as Keighley's handling in the backs regularly let them down and the visitors' stubborn defence defied the best efforts of the forwards.

A drop goal by stand off Andy Cadman after good ground had been made by flanker Mac Loughlin, gave Ilkley the early lead but Keighley responded with a penetrating run by full back Matthew Cox which set up an attacking base close to the line from which Schofield claimed his first try from a pick up after a patient build up by the Keighley pack. Johnny Harrison added the conversion, but Ilkley quickly responded with a penalty goal by Cadman to reduce the lead to a single point.

A sweeping attack by Keighley's backs, instigated by Johnny Harrison following a line out on the Keighley 22 metre line, should have produced a try but the move faltered 10 metres out with some imprecise passing. The overstretched Ilkley defence was however, forced to concede a penalty which was converted by Harrison.

Keighley were never allowed to push the score into anything like the comfort zone, and the reliable Cadman again kept the visitors in the hunt with another penalty goal when a Keighley forward strayed offside in front of the posts.

It was one of far too many penalties conceded as Ilkley's enthusiasm bred frustration in the Keighley ranks. Keighley continued with their often frantic and unproductive three-quarter moves and were fortunate not to concede a try when Harrison's long miss pass was almost intercepted in the centre. Wingman Chris Watts and centre Martin Harrison were each held close to the line after full back Cox had carved out the initial openings, but it was always apparent that the Keighley pack was more likely to unlock the defence than the backs. As half time approached a well-controlled 30-metre drive by the forwards deserved better reward and a sharp break by Johnny Harrison floundered through lack of support, leaving Keihgley ahead by the narrowest of margins at the break.

The visitor's rocked Keighley with two scores early in the second half. Firstly another Cadman penalty edged them ahead and with Keighley looking increasingly vulnerable; a jinking run by Cadman took him within inches of a score. The Ilkley pack was quickly in support and good rucked ball allowed scrum half Tim Barley to squeeze in at the corner.

With the game in danger of slipping away from Keighley's grasp, skipper Rob Riley called upon all his powers of leadership. Showing admirable example, he urged his side on with some powerful work both in the tight and the loose, and with 20 minutes remaining, a long kick to the corner by Harrison from a penalty award set up an attacking line out and, with possession secured, a well organised drive to the line brought Schofield his second try.

Harrison's excellent conversion tied the scores and Keighley's self-belief was restored. A storming run by Leigh Sugden, who with Andy Bennett had enjoyed a good day in the lineouts, drove play into the Ilkley 22-metre area. Keighley retained possession, forcing a scrum close to the line and once again Schofield picked up before riskily beating the defenders in the goal area before presenting Harrison with the simplest of conversions.

A penalty goal by Harrison effectively sealed the issue although the game Ilkley side claimed the final points when Cadman bagged his fourth penalty goal on the stroke of time.

n Keighley 2nd XI beat Ilkley 43-17, but made it tough for theselves.

They gift-wrapped two early tries for the home side before John Gibson replied, further tries from Nick Wright and Moxley left Keighley two points behind at the break but they were too strong in the second period.

Adam Balderstone burst through for the first try, Neil Scott added a second.

Centre Matthew Lockwood sealed the win when strolled over after a flick pass from Cavender.

n Keighley 3rd XV brought up a 'win treble' over Ilkley with a 50-10 victory.

Tries from Whitaker, Race, Simons and Greenwood, backed up by conversions from Brookes and Simons gave Keighley a 25-5 lead at half time.

Second half tries from Greenwood, Leach, Race and Kubran and three conversions from Brookes completed the scoring