Heath 27 Keighley 23

Outside half Giles Hetherington probably the most complete outside half in the league was in his element, he was able to deliver quick ball to big centre Moana to drive forward or ‘tunnel pass’ behind him to the outside centre and wing. The ploy caught Keighley napping, some poor first up defence gave Moana a try in the first five minutes, converted by full back Littlewood. The treatment was repeated five minutes later, Moana acting as a ‘dummy’ runner drew in defenders allowing Littlewood to cross in the corner.

Keighley were stung into action, some excellent scrummaging and committed work at the breakdown gave them the opportunity to press the Heath line, although Leigh Sugden crossed the line he was adjudged to have been held up.

Maintaining the pressure and possession they were able to quickly switch the point of attack from right to left, with the Heath defence in disarray Leigh Sugden crossed under the posts, converted by Alex Brown. Heath eventually managed to absorb the Keighley pressure and return to the attack. Once again the ball was moved quickly along the backs or kicked deep into the corner for field position, from a lineout in the Keighley twenty two metre area the ball was delivered to the full back in support, drawing the final defender he gave a try scoring pass to winger D. Fermoyle. Alex Brown managed to claw back some points with a penalty on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Keighley started exerting more pressure, which led to a penalty for Alex Brown, and gave clever centre Danny McGee the chance to pressure the Heath defence with his pace and angles of running, unfortunately some good moves broke down due to poor handling or slack kicking, which gave the gifted the opposition valuable possession and the opportunity to mount more moves through the backs. Heath managed to extend their lead with a well taken try by Moana, converted by Littlewood.

Once again Keighley raised their game, with Andy Bennett and the Sugden brothers; Olly and Leigh driving the ball at the opposition the Heath defence were drawn into a forward battle, after a series of drives the ball found its way into the hands of hooker Nathan Thornton who crossed for a well deserved try. Although Keighley were able to play most of the last ten minutes in the opposition half too often their handling and kicking skills let them down.

Effectively the game was finished as a contest when full back Littlewood landed a penalty for offside. In the dying minutes Keighley’s replacement prop Craig Spencer was driven over to gain a much deserved losers bonus point.

This Saturday Keighley are at home to Dinnington.