Keighley 13 Rochdale 22 - In a rare week off from league rugby, Keighley played host to old adversaries Rochdale, extending a run of fixtures with the Lancashire club dating back over 60 years.

In spite of the visitor's superior league status the Keighley side gave a good account of itself in a contest which always lacked the bite and competitiveness of a league encounter. Rochdale's superior pace in the backs was the decisive factor, with young centre Chris Johnson in particular showing his mettle and class with a personal haul of 17 points from two tries, two conversions and a penalty goal.

After weathering an early storm by the uncompromising Rochdale forwards and conceding a penalty goal by Johnson, Keighley settled down to match the visitors in most aspects of play.

Half backs James Tillotson and Scott Amos, playing together for the first time, combined well allowing the backs more freedom than of late, wingman John Currie especially showing up well.

Full back Liam McGee, a replacement for Matt Gaffney who had fallen victim to a fierce late tackle, which along with other indiscretions, went unpunished by referee Steve Huckett, equalised with a penalty goal.

Keighley were, however, unable to capitalise on Rochdale prop Sunderland's spell in the sin bin for punching. Spurning several scoring chances, the closest of which came to forward Leigh Sugden who was held up just short of the line after good line out work by Rob Clarke.

It was however, the visitors who claimed the next points when, in the best move of the game, a break by the stand off and good supporting play brought a try for Johnson which he also converted.

The visitors extra pace soon brought a second half try for full back Russell, before Keighley struck back with try by centre Mark Beckett from an interception followed by an elusive run to the line.

Gradually however, the game deteriorated and, with little at stake, the prospects of a hot bath and refreshments seemed uppermost in the players' minds. An uncharacteristic loose pass by the usually reliable Peter Schofield was intercepted by the predatory Johnson who converted his second try. Tillotson relieved the gloom with a sharp break and Keighley rallied with a late try by Rob Ellis from a well timed pass by fellow flanker Lee Gordon after a quickly taken tapped penalty. It was fair reward for Keighley's two most consistent performers.

Keighley face a stern challenge on Saturday away to unbeaten league leaders Sheffield Tigers. Johnny Harrison and Adam Balderstone return at half back and Michael Feather return to the second row with Leigh Sugden moving to flanker for the unavailable Rob Ellis.