Ilkley 11

Keighley 3

Keighley could have few complaints over the merit of Ilkley's success in this league meeting, following the Utley side's triumph against the same side the previous week in a significantly less relevant cup tie.

The home side created the only try 30 minutes into the game when wingman Ben McDonald ran strongly to finish off a blind side move from a scrum 22 metres out, but this was sufficient to see off Keighley's lukewarm challenge.

A raking touch kick to the corner early in the game set up Keighley's best try scoring chance when they were held on the line after good work by second row man Andy Bennett. But Ilkley drew first blood when former Otley stand off Anthony Chapman converted a simple penalty goal after seeing his earlier drop goal attempt go wide.

As in last week's meeting, there was little to choose between the sides. Keighley's backs posed the greater threat in open play where full back Warren Knowles and centres Dale Towler and Chris Dooling often looked capable of breaking the stalemate.

Much of the forward work was, by comparison, untidy and indecisive. Ilkley were quicker to the breakdown where Keighley generally lacked the support to protect the ball allowing Ilkley to steal vital possession. The back row in particular, had an off day, rarely functioning as a unit and giving scrum half Ian Woodwiss little protection from Ilkley's predatory flankers.

Statistically, however, Keighley's defensive record is the best in their league and Ilkley's attacks were generally easily contained. As half time approached Keighley enjoyed their best spell. After a sweeping raid by their backs, Morgan Bailey was checked close to the line and stand off Johnny Harrison pegged back the lead with a penalty goal.

The loss of wingman Nigel Curr early in the second half with a badly cut scalp after careless footwork by an Ilkley forward was a blow and Keighley soon fell further behind to a second Cadman penalty goal.

Needing two scores to take the lead, Keighley tried hard through Warren Knowles and Dales Towler to penetrate a resolute defence. The forwards were, however, unable to subdue Ilkley's more disciplined pack to create quick possession. The introduction of second row forward Peter Southgate. For his first senior outing of the season following an Achilles tendon injury, added some much needed urgency but Ilkley continued to have the better of the close encounters. Of the forwards only Andy Bennet and to a lesser extent David Pullen and Morgan Bailey can look back on the game with some satisfaction.

A higher level of fitness, aggression and responsibility will be required in Saturday's derby against highflying Skipton if Keighley's potentially match-winning back division is to be given its chance.