Keighley Albion 14
Crosfields 19
Albion got the first points on the board when following a break out of defence by Aussie Cameron Liddle into the heart of the visitors' defence. They were caught offside and Andy Bowness kicked the penalty to give Albion the lead after 15 minutes.
Mark Adams and Ian Spencer were setting up most of Albion's attacks and a good set of passing between Richard Harrison and Ben Farrar saw Harrison score by the posts. Andy Bowness added the extras to give Albion an 8-0 lead after 25 minutes.
The visitors hit back with a good set of plays that finished when their second rower Paul Clark dived over for a try in the corner.
Albion had to adjust when both Cameron Liddle and Ben Farrar had to leave through injury. As the Keighley side reformed they were hit by another Crosfields attack this time via the scrum-half David Gibbons whose clever kick and chase saw the ball bounce back into his hands. He outwited the bemused Albion defenders to score under the posts. Andy Holroyd kicked the goal to put his side in front after 31 minutes.
In the last minute of the half Crosfields caught Albion napping. The ball went out wide to the winger Frazer Linaker who beat the sliding defence to go in at the corner. The goal attempt was off the mark but the half time whistle went with Crossfields leding 18-4.
Albion had to make a further change when Neil Jordan was replaced after taking a knock in the last set of plays before half-time but they were first out of the blocks. A good set move involving Chris Hogg and Tony Fretwell saw Hogg go 40m to score an excellent try under the posts. Andy Bowness converting to tie the scores.
Playing down the slope Crosfields were putting pressure on the Albion defence and on the last tackle they managed to get the ball out wide to winger Andy Holroyd. He was controversially awarded a try despite the attentions of Martin Fryers and Andy Bowness, with Fryers finding himself in the sin bin.
It was still anybody's game but with both defences on top form and some poor handling it became a sloppy affair. Albion's Cameron Liddle, Wayne Smith and Mark Adams were creating the opportunities but were unable to change them into points.
Crosfields struck again when Dave Gibbons dropped a goal in the 64th minute to take the score to 19-14.
Albion entertain Cottingham Tigers from Humberside on Saturday 2:30pm kick off.
Keighley Albion 'A' 4
Victoria Rangers 30
Top of the table Victoria Rangers came to Highfield determined to clinch the title. They succeeded but not until they were forced to work for it by a determined Albion second string.
Rangers got off to the better start with an unconverted try after only three minutes.
Albion hit back when a clever pass from Craig Livock gave a half chance to Rob Haughey. The speedy centre made an 80m race to the corner look easy despite being chased all the way.
The resolute Keighley defence led by Garry Boocock, Adam Lilley and Chris Haggo relaxed too often and Rangers scored three tries to give a rather false look to the scoreline as they turned round with a 20-4 lead.
In the second half Rangers managed better ball control to gain two more tries but it was a rather dour half which ended five minutes early with a serious looking injury to Glen Palmer. Fortunately the loose forward could walk off afterwards.
Tomorrow Albion are at home to Sowerby Spartans a side they have already beaten this season.
Undercliffe 10
Keighley Town 66
Keighley town travelled to Undercliffe and overwhelmed the home side with some superb flowing rugby.
A total of 10 players got on the scoresheet as they demolished Undercliffe in their biggest win of the season.
Andy Stokes, James Shaw, Tony Metcalfe and Darren Lynam got two erach and there were also tries for Joe Smith, Andy Baco, Daz McNulty, Alan Muff and Naheem Anwar. rocky McNulty kicked seven goals to complete the rout.
Tomorrow town entertain Park Amateurs with the B team taking on Stainland. Both matches are at Marley, kick-off 2.30pm.
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