Sheffield Tigers 36 Keighley 0 - Unbeaten league leaders Sheffield Tigers had too much all round power and pace for a determined Keighley side. Injuries robbed the Utley men of a handful of first choice backs and hard as they competed, their role generally was one of limitation rather than ambition.

Sheffield's strong foreign contingent, allied to several other players with experience at a much higher level, proved decisive when, as early as the seventh minute, South African centre Rudi Froneman finished off a try.

Before half time Froneman again crossed after a sharp break by stand off Craig Beattie, who also added the conversion, and No.8 Edu Hanokem, another Southern Hemisphere import, grabbed the third try from a pick up from a five metre scrum.

Keighley's chances had been few, not withstanding a massive effort from the front row of Paul Sinfield, Dave Pullen and Evan Griffin, who, along with replacement Richard Leach, were always at least the equal of their opponents. The home side's barging and gap closing tackles in the lineouts, however, went largely unpunished by referee Jonathan Hill, resulting in Keighley second row men Rob Clarke and Michael Feather struggling for possession against the heavier home jumpers.

The introduction at half time of centre Doug Trevelli, another player with premiership experience at Rotherham, soon posed further problems for Keighley when his sleight of hand led to a try for flanker Stuart Holmes, converted by full back Eugene Martin.

Keighley's defence was, however, for the most part, superb with full back Mark Beckett, their best player on the day, particularly unflinching in his duties. The temporary loss of wingman Nigel Curr to the sin bin for an alleged trip was, nonetheless, an additional burden and during his absence hooker Dave Price was bundled over for a try from close range with Martin again converting.

To their credit, Keighley never stopped trying. A break by Beckett deserved better reward and scrum half Andy Marklew and wingman James Tillotson were always alert to the few chances on offer. Sadly, Sheffield's defence was as efficient as all other aspects of their play and Keighley were denied the score they sought before conceding the final try to the powerful Hanokem late in the game.

There was no disgrace in defeat but quite simply they were well beaten by a bigger, more experienced and above all, professional side.

For Saturday's important home game against Pontefract backs Matt Gaffney, John Currie and Adam Balderstone return after injury. Rob Ellis also returns after being unavailable last week.