SELBY 46 - KEIGHLEY 26

In the event the inexperienced side rose to the occasion against a near full strength Selby. The pack, containing only 3 regulars, played with great vigour and spirit in spite of the early loss of flanker Smith Brown with a broken hand. Second row Steve Welch belied his advancing years with a totally committed contribution, catching the eye in particular with some brave and skilful takes from the restarts and was well supported by Stuart Inman and Shaun Minikin. Such was the spirit and effort of the forwards that on more than one occasion they came close to driving the heavier and more experienced home pack over its line.

In the backs scrum half Tom Rock was skilful and astute, Sam Walker often looked dangerous on the wing and centres Adam Horsfall & Alan Ebbrell defended magnificently.

Selby sought to run the ball at every opportunity and took an early lead with a penalty goal by no. 10 Josh Cruise. Keighley quickly struck back when wingman Luke Carter latched onto a deft chip ahead by Rock to touch down under the posts allowing Alex Brown a simple conversion.

With a good supply of possession Selby continued to launch a series of attacks, often prompted by their impressive no.8 Martin Protheroe. They re-took the lead with two tries by strong running centre Ti Brown. Protheroe added another but two well struck penalty goals by Alex Brown kept Keighley in touch at the break.

The second half again saw Selby anxious to attack through their strong running backs and classy full back Dan Porter eased over for another try.

A good run by Keighley replacement Liam Kelly led to an Alex Brown penalty goal, but tries by wingmen Alex McArthur and Charlie McCoy put Selby out of reach.

Even so Keighley gamely battled on, the energetic Shaun Minikin and Sam Walker each being held close to the Selby line before Rock squeezed over for a try from close range.

As the game ebbed and flowed Ti Brown completed a fine hat trick for Selby but Keighley had the last shout when Rock darted in for his second try from a quickly taken tapped penalty.

Saturday sees a return to League rugby at North Ribblesdale. Whilst Keighley’s renewed enthusiasm and spirit will undoubtedly be a telling factor much will depend on how many of the walking wounded will be fit for action.