Keighley 20, Wet Leeds 22 - Keighley players and supporters must still be wondering how they came to lose this close encounter against lowly West Leeds. Even allowing for the fact that a handful of first choice players were missing, it was a disappointing result.

With 20 minutes of play remaining, Keighley looked to be comfortably in control with a 10 point lead. The forwards had dominated the scrummages and maintained parity in the line-outs and whilst the backs generally lacked the pace and guile to unlock a resolute defence, they had largely contained the ambitions of the visitor's three-quarters.

Two tries late in the game, however, exposed Keighley's weaknesses and held out a lifeline to West Leeds in their struggle to avoid relegation.

A brace of penalty goals by Johnny Harrison gave Keighley an early lead, but West Leeds crept ahead with a try by wingman Anthony Wilkinson converted by stand off Breakwell, after an astute kick by Breakwell had set up a line-out 5 metres from the Keighley line.

Keighley were soon back in front when quick passing by their backs put wingman Chris Watts in space and he skilfully beat the cover before touching down for an excellent try in the corner.

A drop goal by Harrison extended the lead, but Keighley were fortunate when the pacy Wilkinson spilled the ball at the line after a determined touch line dash. West Leeds' enterprise was, however, rewarded when Breakwell landed a penalty goal just before half time to reduce Keighley's lead to 4 points.

Another penalty goal by Harrison, followed by a calmly taken 35 metre drop goal eased Keighley into a comfortable lead which they looked easily capable of defending and even increasing.

It was not to be. Firstly scrum half Temple dived over for a try after prolonged pressure by the visitors' pack, and then Wilkinson crossed for the vital try following a good build up by the backs assisted by some suspect Keighley tackling. Breakwell's conversion edged West Leeds ahead.

Keighley's frantic attempts to salvage the game foundered on a flurry of desperate drop goal attempts. There was little consolation in defeat apart from promising performances by colts John Gibson and Peter Schofield in the back row, with Schofield in particular showing real potential. In the end, however, a tally of 3 tries to one told its own story of a match best forgotten.