Keighley 21 Heath 8

The early stages of the match saw some fine runs from the powerful Keighley centre Marco Ferrazzano, matched by his opposite number Martin Moana. An early break down the right hand by Keighley centre Danny Price took play deep into Heath Territory, unfortunately for Keighley he was stopped short of the line, giving the Heath defence chance to recover.

The deadlock was broken by a fine long distance penalty from the Keighley outside half Danny McGee. Heath were stung into action, excellent forward play featuring big second row Ian Downsborough caused the Keighley defence some problems and a penalty for Heath outside half Lomas. Keighley pressured once again through their experienced back row of Dyson, Sugden and Inman.

Good second phase ball gave McGee some space to execute a drop goal, followed a few minutes later by a penalty. Although Keighley were competing well at the line out and in broken play their scrum was struggling, giving Heath extra possession which they neatly worked to big centre Moana who was always able to make ground.

From untidy ball at a line out in their own twenty two Keighley put themselves under pressure, a rushed clearance kick from full back Harry Titley was charged down and into the hands of the ever present second row Ian Desborough who crossed for a well deserved try.

In the second half Keighley continued where they had left off. The forwards began to dominate which gave debutant scrum half Danny Lester the chance to snipe around the fringes, with the Heath defence on the back foot clever play from McGee found space for Centre Ferrazzano, who drove play into Heath territory.

After a series of phases another Ferrazzano break found McGee on his shoulder, a quick show and go and he was over. Heath regrouped and once again forced Keighley into last ditch defence, although centre Moana was a constant threat the defensive back line stayed strong.

When Heath attacked through the forwards big second row Bob Clarke and prop Craig Spencer ably supported by their colleagues were able to drive them back with strong first up tackles. Eventually, after some strong runs from Keighley’s Scott Dyson, Leigh Sugden and winger Adam Horsfall the Heath defence was breached by centre Danny Price, who drifted through to score near the posts, converted by McGee. Although Heath battled to the end, they were unable to make any headway through a resolute Keighley defence.

On Saturday Keighley face another unbeaten side, away at Driffield.