Keighley 25

Skipton 11

A rejuvenated Keighley side effectively saw off Skipton's sprinted challenge with a dominant first half display of superb flowing rugby.

Three well taken tries, all from Keighley's exciting back division, paved the way for a 22 point interval lead, which they were able to defend albeit not without some worrying moments, until the final whistle.

This first match at senior level between the sides since 1979 had all the right ingredients of a local derby - a pleasant autumn afternoon, a large but good-natured crowd, two competitive packs and backs anxious to attack at all times.

The return of flanker Mark Lister added much needed direction and aggression to the Keighley pack and Skipton were immediately unsettled by the passion and pace of Keighley's opening forays. A first minute attack was held up on the line as Keighley stretched the visitors defence.

Skipper Johnny Harrison was wide with a penalty goal attempt before succeeding with another effort after 10 minutes' play. Keighley's ball retention was much improved and it was a fitting reward for some excellent approach work when Harrison popped up on the overlap to cross for a try on 15 minutes, after good work by Morgan Bailey, John Hinchliffe and Chris Dooling.

Skipton were at this stage, outplayed in all aspects of the game and with full back Warren Knowles orchestrating much of the action, it was no surprise when Dooling finished off another slick handling move after combining well with wingman Kevin Young. Harrison added the conversion.

A sharp break by Skipton stand off Howson which took him close to the Keighley line soon served notice of the visitors potential and their heavier pack from time to time threatened Keighley's resolve. They held their nerve however, and increased their lead when centre Dale Towler added pace and direction to another attack which led to wingman John Hinchcliffe touching down in the corner and Harrison landing the touchline conversion.

A generally even tempered game was well marshalled by referee Rodney Hogg, but shortly before half time Keighley prop Robert Riley was dismissed to the sin bin for dangerous use of an elbow and soon afterwards full back Warren Knowles was forced to retire with a knee injury.

For almost the first time the reshuffled Keighley side began to look vulnerable and Skipton's pack raised a full head of steam to take good advantage. Keighley's supply of ball temporarily dried up and wingman Mike Beech reduced his side's arrears with a well taken try stemming from a line out on the Keighley 22 metre mark.

A try saving tackle by Morgan Bailey kept out the increasingly confident visitor's but they further pegged back the lead when Keighley lost possession in a ruck and a pick up led to stand off Howson strolling in virtually unopposed for a try converted by centre Adam Oldfield.

Two penalty goal misses by Johnny Harrison did nothing to calm Keighley's nerves, but they held their game together and slowly saw off the Skipton threat. A fine long-range penalty goal by Harrison eventually settled the issue, in spite of a final flurry on Keighley's line by the visitors.

It was an excellent all round performance by Keighley who maintained their 100% home league record. Forwards Lister and Riley excelled in a pack in which each man played his full part. Again centres Towler and Dooling impressed in attack and defence in a back division that is improving week by week.

The injury to full back Warren Knowles sadly could keep him out for a few weeks and the side will miss the cutting edge which he provides with his elusive running from deep positions.