Keighley 24, Hull 8

Keighley produced their most impressive form of the season to beat promotion rivals Hull by a clear margin.

The victory leaves them six points clear of third placed Hull with only three league games remaining, and they could clinch promotion at Old Rossendalians tomorrow (Saurday).

But the Keighley lads are taking nothing for granted and realise that with two of their fixtures away from home and the third against leaders Darlington Mowden Park, the second promotion spot is not yet a formality.

They were off to the best possible start when John Hinchliffe crossed for a try in the second minute after scrum half Martin Uren broke from a scrum and outpaced the visitors first line of defence before slipping a neat inside pass to the wingman.

They should soon have increased the lead when lack of discipline resulted in referee Howard Thompson reversing a penalty award in front of the visitors posts.

Both sides contributed to a fine game with some adventurous running in difficult conditions, with ex-Hull Sharks winger Leroy McKenzie posing the biggest problems for Keighley with his elusive pace.

Keighley's forwards were in top form throughout. They were unyielding in the scrums and line outs and tigerish in the rucks and mauls. The backs were solid in defence and with half back Uren and Harrison providing a smooth link wingmen Knowles and Hinchliffe were both given room to show their paces with several penetrating attacks.

Tries were, however, a rare commodity and Keighley had to rely on two excellent drop goals by Harrison to increase their lead at half time to 11 points.

An early second half penalty goal by Harrison edged Keighley further ahead before Hull full back David Prescott put the visitors on the score board with a penalty gaol. In a desperate attempt to bring themselves back into the game the visitors resorted to over ambitious passing moves from close to their line, but were out done by a rampant Keighley back row in which flanker Mark Lister was in outstanding form.

A slick move involving Warren Knowles centre Richard Emmott and full back Carl Smith ended with Smith being tackled into touch a few metres from the Hull line. Keighley maintained the pressure and Harrison calmly dropped his third goal of the game.

The best was, however, yet to come and a storming touch line run by Hinchliffe took play to the Hull 22 metre line. The forward won quick possession and a lovely long pass from Harrison allowed Carl Smith to drive to the line for a try converted by Harrison.

In the closing minutes a serious, although accidental, eye injury to Hull stand off Colin Brown marred what had been a magnificent game and it was perhaps fitting that the visitors provided the final score when wingman Steve Roberts forced his way over for a try after good work from his pack.

Coach Tim Becker has patiently moulded the Keighley side into an impressive unit in which, on Saturday's display, it would be difficult to single out individuals for special praise. First among equals were, however, John Harrison, not only for the rare achievement of three drop goals in the game, but for his all round attacking and defensive skills and forwards Neil Marklew, hooker Darren Ideson and back row man Mark Lister for their consistent power and effort.

Another performance of similar character and determination at Roundhegians on Saturday should secure the promotion which the side deserves.

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