Horden 24, Keighley 20

AN HEROIC effort by a depleted Keighley side was not enough to prevent Horden claiming the points.

With Darlington Mowden Park and Halifax clear front runners in the league the dog-fight to steer clear of a possible three relegation places is beginning to take shape, and Keighley must strike their best form in the New Year to avoid danger.

The loss of all three first choice back row forwards through injury and illness was a blow which Keighley were unable to overcome against a side whose strength lay in a big, but sometimes immobile, pack.

With no regular place kicker available the task was entrusted to full back David Proud who, whilst striking the ball well, was unfortunate to see several attempts, including an early penalty effort, miss the target.

Horden gave early notice of their forward-based tactics when, after five minutes of play, No8 forward Black claimed a push-over try converted by centre Dave smith. Keighley made a quick response with prop forward Robert Riley playing in the unaccustomed berth of flanker, prominent with some barging runs, one of which led to stand off Danny Mavro touching down for a try after following a hack ahead.

The loss of John Duffy with a back injury was a further blow to Keighley, but they continued to harry the opposition into errors and reduced the arrears with a well taken drop goal by Mavro. Late first half pressure on the Horden line by the Keighley pack failed to produce dividends.

Playing down the slope with the breeze at their backs, Horden soon penned Keighley in their 22 following the kick off for the second half, and after a scrum close to the line a short pass to stand-off Priestley exposed Keighley's vulnerability in the back row of the scrum allowing him to touch down under the posts with smith adding the conversion.

Keighley struck back with two thrilling tries in quick succession. slick passing by their backs allowed wingman John Hinchliffe to make good progress down the wing before a well timed pass inside to Richard Emmott saw him finish off a flowing movement under the posts, with Proud adding the conversion. Keighley's enterprise surprised the home side whose expectations were further jolted when another fine move from the backs made room for wingman Guy Taylor to touch down in the corner, giving Keighley a three point lead.

As the game entered the last quarter Horden's forward machine ground relentlessly onwards, penning Keighley in their own 22 for long periods. Whilst frequently pushed off the ball at the scrumages they somehow denied the home side the score they required until five minutes from time when No8 Black forced his way over from close range for his second try, converted by Smith.

Keighley's disappointment was understandable although in fairness Horden's victory was merited.

It was, however, a great credit to a game Keighley side that it came close to overcoming the odds. with several key players likely to be fit again after Christmas the side should look forward to a successful run in the second half of the season.

n Keighley Under-10's finally contested the District Festival at Baildon after the weather relented. They join a powerful Bradford & Bingley team in the regional final after some superb performances.

The Keighley side beat Baildon 10-5 in the opening match and followed up with a tough battle against the Bees, losing 15-0.

With two teams to progress to the semi-final stages Keighley's last game against Ilkley was a tense affair and a try in the dying stages sealed a 15-10 victory for Keighley.

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