Keighley 27 York 17

York started the game intent on moving the ball wide as often as possible. Within five minutes their tactics worked when winger Sam Arkle opened the scoring with a well worked try, converted by outside half Jon Dawes. Keighley were stung into action, pressure from their forwards earned a penalty for Danny McGee. This was followed by some excellent open play from the home team; forwards and backs combined well to take play into York territory. Centre Marco Ferrazzano broke through the defensive line to link with open side flanker Scott Dyson who drove over for a try, converted by McGee. York responded with a penalty from Dawes.

Although York continued with their game plan, it was proving too difficult to break the Keighley defence and the marauding Keighley back row of Rossi, Dyson and Sugden. More often than not their expansive back play foundered, and the ball was turned over at the breakdown. Slowly Keighley turned the screw, a poor defensive kick from York found full back Adam Horsfall on the charge, breaking tackles he found support from hooker Will Armitage who crossed wide out.

Keighley began the second half where they left off, with their forwards competing well at all phases of play they were soon in York territory, some excellent recycling and quick hands gave Adam Horsfall the chance to out flank the defence to cross the line, converted by McGee.

York regrouped and made inroads into Keighley territory through some powerful drives from outside half Dawes and second row Mulrony, only last ditch tackling managed to keep them off the score sheet. Keighley playing with new found confidence returned to the attack with some fine muscular play from the forwards. Eventually a midfield foray by centres Ferrazzano and Price took play into the opposition twenty two metre area. The forwards recycled and launched a series of ‘pick and drive’ route one attacks, in the end the ball found its way into the hands of busy wing forward Paul Rossi who crossed in the corner.

With time running out York intent on gaining a losing bonus point tested Keighley at every opportunity. Keighley at this stage should have closed the game down, however, five tries was not good enough for them and they were intent on a further score, which meant that they tried to play too much rugby in their own half. With time running out York drove play to the Keighley five metre line giving blind side wing forward Sam Thorpe the opportunity to peel off a ruck to score in the corner.

Although York finished the game strongly they were unable to make any further inroads into the resolute Keighley defence. A fine win and a bonus point for Keighley.

This Saturday they hope to continue their return to form with a difficult away game at Pontefract.