Keighley Crusaders 14 Percy Park 24 - A gallant Crusaders side found the obstacle of a 17 point deficit too much of a challenge to overcome in a hard fought contest.

The visitors first points came in the first minute of the game when straight from the kick off a sweeping movement by their backs led to a try by full back Singleton, converted by McNab.

This was soon followed by a try by wingman Carr after a clever kick through by centre Turnbull. McNab's conversion followed by a penalty goal saw Crusaders 17 points adrift in as many minutes and seemingly facing a long afternoon's struggle.

Playing with great spirit and determination, however, they dragged themselves into contention with a well earned try by flanker Mark Lister converted by stand off Danny McGee after wingman John Hinchliffe had been held close to the line.

Keighley's strong tackling unsettled the visitors and with the forwards winning a good supply of ball in spite of conceding a substantial weight and height advantage, they re-discovered the confidence so sadly lacking in recent weeks.

A brilliant jinxing run by McGee from the half way line brought him a spectacular try to which he added the goal, reducing the arrears to three points. Percy Park came back strongly, however, and from a line out close to the home line, stand off Baskerville wrong footed the defence to cross for a try which he converted himself.

In a scoreless second half both sides wasted scoring opportunities as defences were on top. Only a supreme effort by Crusader's pack prevented a score as several times in quick succession Percy Park sought a pushover try. The experience of veteran props Neil Marklew and John Duffy, who played half a game each, added steel and resolve up front where second row Tim Dodkin and flanker Andrew Bennett also impressed.

A welcome return to form by skipper Kevin Young who had a fine game both in attack and defence, allowed the backs to enjoy more space than of late and wingman John Hinchliffe and Warren Knowles both tested the visitors' defence with their elusive running.

Percy Park, however, belied this lowly place in the league by resisting all Keighley's efforts. Their backs were well marshalled by former Keighley scrum half Kevin Bottomley who at the age of 38 seemed to have lost none of the skills which made him a favourite at Utley 10 years ago, whilst their pack had the weight and size to compete with most in the league.

It is a sign of doldrums presently afflicting the club that a narrow defeat is almost a cause for celebration, but in truth there was much to applaud in Keighley's performance.

Although some players are approaching the twilight of their playing careers, most are just beginning theirs. The undoubted talent of Danny McGee. Andrew Bennett and others who are still in their teenage years combined with the experience of the older players suggests a brighter future.

n Crusaders face a difficult task tomorrow in their re-arranged league fixture against unbeaten Halifax. The semi-professional side is enjoying an impressive season having re-built the team with pre-season signings.

Ironically, having cancelled the original fixture because of the lack of an adequate front row through injuries and unavailabilities, they are forced to turn out without four senior centres and both second row forwards being available.

Wingman John Hinchliffe partners Simon Shiner in the centre with Matt Gaffney returning on the wing. Flanker Tim Dodkin partners Andrew Bennett in the second row and Darren Ideson is hoping to have recovered from a hand injury to resume at No 8.

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