Keighley 30 Beverley 3 - Keighley's young number eight forward Peter Schofield marked his return to first team duty after injury with a well taken hat trick of tries as the side strengthened its lead at the top of Yorkshire two.

The late arrival of the opposition due to a break down en-route and a frost affected pitch meant that there was a doubt about the match taking place almost up to the kick off. In the event, both sides contributed to an absorbing contest in remarkably good conditions.

Both packs kept themselves warm with some vigorous close work, whilst the backs, who for long periods played something of a minor role, were keen to exploit the chances on offer. An early turn by wingman Chris Watts set up a scrum 5 metres from the line from which Peter Schofield picked up and drove over after a take against the head by the inspired Keighley pack. Beverly were quick to respond, however, and a high tackle led to a penalty goal by Ian Archibald from in front of the posts.

Soon afterwards, Johnny Harrison was unlucky to see his penalty attempt rebound off a post, but good work by skipper Rob Riley kept Keighley on the attack and when the visitors strayed off-side at a scrum, Harrison made sure with a straight forward penalty goal.

Beverly's hard running midfield backs were causing a few problems for the Keighley defence but it was a slick move between Keighley scrum half Scott Amos and Chris Watts which led to prolonged pressure on the Beverly line. Wingman Kevin Young was held short and prop forward Paul Sinfield lost the ball with the line beckoning. Johnny Harrison deserved better reward from a smart jinking break but eventually another impressive scrummage by the Keighley pack allowed the ever alert Schofield to pick up and dive over with Harrison converting to give Keighley a half time lead of 15 points to 3.

Keighley's forward supremacy continued into the second half, with Rob Riley, Leigh Sugden and Paul Salmon in particular catching the eye in a pack in which every man played a significant part. Amos and Watts again combined well from a scrum on the Beverly 22 metre line and Schofield was in support to grab his third try of the afternoon and his tenth of the season.

A gallant Beverly side continued to contest with number 8 Gallagher frequently in the thick of things, but Keighley's defence was sound and their try line was seldom threatened.

The fitness of Keighley's full back Mathew Cox was given a severe examination both in attack and defence after his long lay off with a shoulder injury and his well judged incursion into the line at pace split the defence and ended with Watts being tackled into touch in goal as Keighley maintained their grip on the game. Their superior fitness was a telling factor and they finished with a flourish, firstly with a try by Cox, converted by Harrison following a powerful run and well timed pass by Salmon and finally with a later penalty goal by Harrison.

The result was a fair indication of the overall play and with nearest rivals West Park Bramhope's game being cancelled, Keighley have opened up a two point lead in the table. With their much superior points differential there are realistic hopes of promotion not withstanding some serious challenges ahead.