SHEFFIELD 17 - KEIGHLEY 3

The final score paid scant justice to the efforts of a determined Keighley side, in which full back Danny McGee and stand in second row men Rob Clarke and Ian Buckley all played influential roles.

It was a great credit to all the players that, not only did the game take place, but that it was such an absorbing and sometimes even skilful contest. Inevitably on a snow covered and increasingly muddy pitch handling errors were made but the forwards locked horns with purpose and vigour throughout and both sets of backs ran and passed whenever the opportunity arose.

Sheffield crossed for the only try of the game late in the first half after a sweeping move by their backs from within the Keighley half, skipper Andy Kelly touching down wide out.

Their remaining points came from the boot of stand off Donal Collins who not only landed a brace of well struck penalty goals in each half, but controlled the game well with his accurate kicking from hand.

Keighley had their chances, particularly in the first half, when their forwards often had the better of play. Hooker Will Armitage was prominent with some determined running and Buckley in particular won good line out ball. McGee was safe under high balls and positive with his running and kicking and wingman Sam Walker and stand off Alex Brown covered Sheffield's tactical kicks ahead efficiently.

The visitors had, however, nothing to show for their efforts at half time, when they trailed by 11 points to nil.

Collins soon increased Sheffield's lead in the second half with his third penalty goal, before Brown landed Keighley's first and only points when he successfully prised a penalty attempt out of the mud.

The home pack turned up the heat against the spirited but tiring Keighley eight as the game entered the last quarter, McGee briefly threatened to break the siege with a good run from defence, but Keighley were forced to defend desperately for long periods. A final penalty goal by Collins with the last kick of the game was Sheffield's only return for 10 minutes assault on the line.

There was no shame in defeat and Keighley can look forward to Saturday's home clash with unbeaten league leaders Malton &Norton with some confidence.