Keighley lose 18-20 in top of the table clash but are still promoted

West Leeds 20 Keighley 18

A titanic struggle between two well matched top of the league teams. West Leeds had the better of the first half, they spent the first ten minutes camped in the opposition territory, their slick back line causing all sorts of problems for the Keighley defence. Eventually some quick interplay between the West Leeds centres gave ex Great Britain Rugby League winger Mark Calderwood the time and space to cross the line. Fly half Dale Breakwell landed the conversion. Keighley responded well with some powerful play; however they lacked precision probably through nerves which caused a number of important passes to go adrift, in the end they were rewarded for their efforts with two penalties for outside half Alex Brown. Just before the half time whistle West Leeds increased their lead with a well taken try by centre Sam Neave, once again Breakwell added the extras. The second half started badly for Keighley when a player was yellow carded and Breakwell added to his tally with a penalty. From that point onwards Keighley showed a great deal of character, they raised their game and took the more direct approach using their big centres to break down midfield, which allowed their forwards the opportunity to control the game. A well worked line out and some neat handling from prop Craig Spencer gave second row Leigh Sugden the chance to bulldozer his way over to score, Alex Brown converted. The continual pressure began to tell and Keighley came very close to scoring. However, West Leeds gained a foothold in the visitor’s territory forced a penalty that Breakwell converted. With time running out Keighley threw all they had at the West Leeds defence. Ben Blackwell broke through and was certain to score, but the pass was adjudged forward by the referee, much to the consternation of the travelling supporters, who to be fair had the better viewpoint. In the dying minutes after continual pressure Sam Walker put his fellow winger Luke Carter in at the corner. The last kick of the match the conversion, to give Keighley a well earned draw hit the upright. An excellent game of flowing rugby, after the match it was confirmed that Keighley with two games remaining were certain of promotion to Yorkshire One, a well deserved reward for their hard work and commitment to attacking rugby.