Keighley XV 18 Wharfedale XV 28

Without any league points at stake both teams played some entertaining open rugby. Keighley after some excellent initial approach work opened the scoring with a penalty for Alex Brown. Keighley maintained their early pressure, both forwards and backs linking well. However, Wharfedale managed to contain Keighley’s efforts and quick possession in midfield gave their centre Simon Crabtree the opportunity to cross in the corner. Although Lloyd Davies missed the difficult conversion a few minutes later he made amends with a well struck penalty.

Keighley battled away with powerful back row players Leigh Sugden and Scott Dyson making inroads into a well organised defence, one such break from the back row found pacy winger Luke Carter in support, although he crossed the line two defenders ensured he was unable to ground the ball.

In the second half Wharedale raised their game with centre James Druce the brain behind the majority of their attacks. Taking the ball into the Keighley 22 metre area he chipped through the Keighley defence, Ryan Gill chased and grounded for a well worked try.

Not to be outdone the Keighley forwards took the game to the opposition, some quality ball gave their backs the space they needed, experienced ex-Castleford centre Danny Price broke through the middle, drew the full back and gave a try scoring pass to Danny Lester. With the result in the balance and both teams still committed to open running rugby spaces began to appear in both defences. Wharfedale’s James Druce now playing at outside half was able to break free in midfield to score a well deserved, which he also converted.

A little later he made another fine break to put Andrew Mally in at the corner. Keighley at this stage strengthened their pack and were able to force themselves into Wharfedale territory through some fine attacks from their back row and powerful young centre Clem McDowell.

With time running out Leigh Sugden picked up at the back of an attacking scrum and drove for the line, with the defence tied up he managed to slip the ball to Danny Price who found Sean Kelly in support, and a try in the corner. Although Keighley battled hard to close the gap they were unable to breach the defence. Druce in the final kick of the match completed the scoring with a penalty.