Keighley Albion Cats 8, Birkenshaw Dragons 46

Keighley Cats' up and down season continued with a comprehensive defeat at home to local rivals Birkenshaw.

In recent seasons the Dragons have become something of a bogey team to Keighley and Sunday's game was no exception. The Cats were behind as early as the fifth minute and an early injury to skipper Sarah Walsh further disrupted their game plan.

For once Keighley's renowned tackling was not up to its usual standard and Birkenshaw were able to take full advantage. A marvellous solo try by Sarah Gatenby was the only highlight of a poor first half and when Laura Ackroyd was sinbinned it spelled the end of the match as a contest.

The Cats improved in the second half but they were unable to add to their score and in the end were glad to hear the final whistle.

Tracy Lynch took the player of the match award with strong support from Leanne Ludlam. Cats have a day off on Sunday but are at home to Castleford next week.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.