West Bowling 12 Keighley 42

West Bowling put up a valiant fight before being defeated by Keighley in the Pennine League Championship Division.

Bowling got off to the best possible start when stand-off Todd Carter shaped to kick, then side-stepped the defence to dive over by the posts after just six minutes. Fellow half-back Ben Heald stepped up to add the extras to make it 6-0.

Bowling were looking comfortable in the early stages but were then rocked by three quick scores from the visitors.

First stand-off Kyle Akrig dived over, allowing Callum Hudson to level the scores with the kick, before winger Chris Spencer got in on the act.

The visitors extended their advantage on 30 minutes when Akrig crossed for his second, Hudson again converting.

Bowling struggled to cope with a big, energetic Keighley side but forwards Richard Lumb and Chris Anderson showed their grit as they battled it out up front.

Bowling needed a quick start to the second half but it was Keighley who struck first. Almost immediately after the restart centre Danny Spencer weaved his way to the line for a converted try.

On 61 minutes the visitors were in again when Chris Spencer plunged over to make it 32-6.

Keighley were in complete control at this point and tries from Chris Stead on 68 minutes and sub Luke Moorby just five minutes later put the game beyond doubt.

Bowling never threw in the towel but were unable to get the ball wide to use the pace of speedy winger Martin Tordoff.

The home side did manage to breach the Keighley defence again though when Daniel Gregory made a neat break to find the supporting Carter, who scored under the posts. Heald added the extras to make it 36-12.

However, it was Keighley who were to have the final say when Richard Blackburn barged over to complete a fine afternoon’s work.

Speaking after the game assistant coach Mark Dunning said: “We believe in the young lads here and the team spirit is great in the camp. We go again next weekend.”