Selby 13 Keighley 17

Keighley made hard work subduing an energetic Selby. In the early stages the home side were quite determined to play a high energy game, testing Keighley through the middle and wide out. The Keighley defence well marshalled by Alex Brown was up to the task, the only reward for Selby’s efforts was a penalty for fullback Josh Cruise. Keighley slowly forced their way back into the game, with their inside backs controlling the game it was Selby’s turn to defend. The visitors after a period of pressure and no points gave Selby the chance to maul their way out of defence, and gain the ascendancy, only some poor handling wide out kept them from scoring. The Keighley back line began to move the ball well giving Rugby League converts Alfie Seeley and Joe Copperwaite their chance to show what they had to offer. Gaining a foothold deep in the opposition territory, some excellent approach work by Will Armitage and Dan Snowden gave second row Leigh Sugden the chance to drive over the line, Alex Brown added the conversion. Just before half time powerful centre Ben Blackwell gave his fellow centre Alfie Seeley the chance to release winger Joe Copperwaite, with the defensive cover streaming across he checked inside, and beat two would be defenders to score. Brown added the extras.

In the second half the visitors upped their game forcing Selby onto the back foot, the pressure told and a further penalty for Alex Brown. Selby redressed the balance when their lively forwards gained good field position and a penalty for Josh Cruise. Keighley gained an adequate supply of possession and more or less dominated territory. However, the Selby forwards chose not to over commit to the breakdown which resulted in extra defence in midfield which nullified Keighley’s attacking play. With time running out some of the Keighley players were guilty of silly penalties which gave the resurgent Selby forwards the chance to grind their way towards the Keighley line. Through a series of pick and drives they forced the visitors into the danger zone and a well earned try for second row Duncan Hardy, converted by Cruise. Keighley with four points the difference had a nervous five minutes but effectively managed to run the clock down to ensure the victory. This Saturday Keighley have a hard game at home to York.

Report By Sam Griffin