Keighley 19 Middlesbrough 17

Both teams started well yesterday's SSE North One East clash well, early Middlesbrough pressure being rewarded with a penalty from fly half Jack Bircham.

After a period of midfield attrition, Keighley’s Alex Brown kicked a penalty to level the scores.

Slowly Keighley began to dominate possession, and a fine long-distance break by centre Scott Dyson giving them the opportunity of quick ruck ball and a try for captain Leigh Sugden, Brown adding the conversion.

As the half-time whistle beckoned Middlesbrough, using their three-quarters to full advantage, levelled the scores with an excellent try for strong-running centre Paul Norris, converted by Bircham.

The second half included some adventurous play from both teams.

However, both defences were on top of their game and there was little to show for a great deal of effort.

The deadlock was broken when Brown landed two penalties to extend Keighley’s lead.

Almost on the stroke of full-time, a last-ditch attack from Middlesbrough gave winger Josh Evans the chance to squeeze in at the corner, Bircham slotting a very difficult conversion to finish the game and a give Boro a deserved losing bonus point.