Keighley 32

OLD OTLIENSIANS 10

A sparkling two-try display from wingman Matt Cox was the highlight of a top-class display by Keighley A as they moved into the second-round of the Aire-Wharfe Cup on Tuesday night by beating holders Old Otliensians at Utley.

Keighley set themselves up for a trip to Roundhegians in the next round with a display of hard-working defence and quality finishing, Cox setting a high standard in both departments.

He previously played for Wrexham before joining his home-town club, but because of registration laws, he is confined to playing with the second team. At this level, however, he is a deadly striker, with pace to burn, as he demonstrated in collecting his two tries and also overhauling his opposite number after an interception had put the Otley man with a clear run to the posts.

Up front, Paul Salmon gave a hard-working display and was rewarded with two tries, while Matt Gaffney scored Keighley's opener and also added a penalty and conversion.

Fly-half Chris Meehan led the backs in confident and sometimes courageous style, while another of the club's successful Colts team, No 8 Peter Schofield, also produced some top-quality moments.

YORK RI 35, KEIGHLEY 22

A jaded looking Keighley side slipped to a surprise defeat on Saturday at York RI where the home side's more lusty appetite for the game proved decisive.

York's lively backs revelled in the ample supply of ball created by their heavier forwards and tries by stand off Matthew Yates and centre Tim Nash, both converted by Stuart Watson swept them into an early 14 point lead.

Keighley were unable to find any fluency in attack despite the energetic efforts of No 8 Morgan Bailey and full back Warren Knowles, but reduced the arrears when wingman John Hinch-cliffe intercepted on halfway, showing a clean pair of heels before touching down between the posts, with Johnny Harrison converting.

A penalty goal by Harrison kept Keighley in touch at half time and early in the second half a brilliant solo effort by Hinchcliffe, converted by Harrison, put them ahead. They had, however, flattered to deceive. Prompted by their lively scrum half, York regained control and a well-worked try by Nash converted by Watson restored their advantage.

As Keighley's play became increasingly erratic, Nash snapped up a stray Keighley pass to cross for his third try, Watson converting.

The loss of Morgan Bailey with a rib injury was a further blow to Keighley and they conceded a fifth try when weak defence allowed wingman Long to run strongly to the line, Watson maintaining his 100 per cent kicking record.

With the game by then beyond their reach, Keighley at last began to pressurise York up front and wingman Chris Watts' strong touchline run was checked by a huge tackle close to the line.

Forwards Leigh Sugden, David Pullen and Rob Riley fired up the pack and a neat blind side break by scrum half Ian Woodwiss created the opening for Hinchcliffe to complete a fine hat trick of tries. Pride was, to some extent, restored but there was do doubting the merit of York's success.