Keighley 40 Knottingley 14

After a tentative start, Knottingley gained an advantage when a Keighley player was yellow carded for a late challenge. Using their most potent weapons the driving maul and their powerful centre A. Siburn Knottingley were able to drive play deep into Keighley territory. A ruck on the try line gave wing forward Barry Leadbetter the chance to burrow his way over to open the scoring, converted by outside half S. Rockett. Keighley with the return of their sin binned player began to play a sustained fast game, with full back Danny McGee joining the line at will, the Knottingley defence was stretched to breaking point, which eventually led to a series of penalties, two of which Alex Brown converted.

There was no let up in the pace and pressure. A strong break from hooker Will Armitage took play into the opposition twenty two, Leigh Sugden as robust as ever powered his way over the line, unfortunately the ball was knocked on. A little later some fine handling in the backs gave Keighley full back Danny McGee the chance to squeeze in at the corner, Alex Brown added the extras with a well struck conversion.

At this stage of the game Keighley had the measure of the opposition, they rightly chose to move the ball around, away from the heavier Knottingley forwards. The tactic paid off, opting for a scrum instead of a kickable penalty Keighley won possession, moved the ball to Alex Brown who found powerful centre Marco Ferrazzano on one of his trade mark charges, there was little chance of stopping him and he crossed between the posts, converted by Brown.

The second half was almost a re-run of the first, although Knottingley stuck to their task they were outplayed by a more athletic team who relishing the warm dry conditions were moving the ball sweetly. Within minutes of the restart Keighley’s Lucas Uren finished off a well worked back move scoring in the corner. Alex Brown extended the lead with a long range penalty.

Knottingley with their forwards tiring badly managed a rare visit into the Keighley half, and following a steal at a Keighley scrum their outside half Rockett was quick to take advantage and was over between the posts before the defence had chance to organise themselves, he also added the conversion. From this stage onwards it was one way traffic, Keighley dominated territory and possession which led to well worked tries for Centre Adam Horsfall and outside half Alex Brown, who also added one of the conversions.

This Saturday, Keighley finish off their league season with a home game against Castleford.