Selby 44 Keighley Crusaders 5 - Crusaders paid dearly for turning out a much weakened side for their non-league fixture at Selby. Injuries, holidays and, sadly, less genuine excuses, left the side short of seven or eight first choice players, including both half backs and the entire front row. As a result the side offered only token opposition to a workmanlike Selby team.

Poor defence led to an early try by wingman Richard Topping and soon afterwards fellow wingman Tony Godfrey took advantage of a botched attempted break out by Keighley to latch onto a loose ball to score.

Forwards Peter Southgate and Michael Feather tried hard to rally a flat footed and docile Keighley side, securing good line out ball, but the backs made little progress against their strong tackling markers. The early loss through injury of centre Peter Lee-Gallon and flanker Tyrone Adam further contributed to the side's problems and before half time centre Clarke and No 8 Taylor added further tries with Crusaders' only response being a well taken try by wingman Nick Wright.

Any hopes Keighley may have harboured of a second half revival were soon dashed when No 5 Jason Cicero used his considerable bulk to crash over for an early second half try. Stand off Gary Davy made good use of a still wind with some long touch finding kicks, but in spite of establishing good attacking positions close to the Selby line Keighley did not have the muscle or guile to turn pressure into points.

The home pack took full advantage of its superior physical presence and after No 6 Hick crossed for a close range try, Welshman Cicero completed the scoring with a powerful drive to the line.

On a day when few Keighley reputations were enhanced centre Richard Emmott was the pick of the backs and Peter Southgate the most impressive forward. Credit must, however, be given to the makeshift front row of Nigel Fitzsimmons, Neil Scott and Richard Sparks which competed well in the set pieces whilst lacking the necessary speed and mobility in the loose play. There was also a promising contribution by youngster Paul Salmon who replaced the injured Tyrone Adam, although it is likely that university commitments will restrict his future availability.

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