Knottingley 15 Keighley 29

In the first half, playing with pace and skill the Keighley forwards were quick to every breakdown and provided a constant supply of quick ball to the backs who were moving the ball at pace. The pressure soon told and after some excellent work from scrum half Lucas Uren, captain Leigh Sugden broke through to score, converted by Alex Brown.

Knottingley responded well and kept Keighley pinned in their half, the defence held out a number of attacks, but in the end they conceded a penalty which Knottingley scrum half S. Rockett converted. Keighley were soon back in the driving seat, from a scrum near the half way line Leigh Sugden broke free and found his supporting players, full back Danny McGee joined the line and crossed wide out, once again Alex Brown landed a difficult conversion.

A few minutes later McGee got his second try from after some clever work from the backs, Brown converted. Towards the end of the half Brown added to his tally with a penalty.

In the second half Knottingley changed their tactics, most of their attacks coming through their skilful number eight Craig Field and a series of forward drives. The Keighley defence was rock solid. Eventually they managed to break out of defence and some fine interplay from centres Price and Blackwell took play to the Knottingley try line.

From a scrum Sugden once again broke free to cross in the corner. With the game in the bag Keighley were guilty of lapses in concentration which gave Knottigley’s Craig Field the opportunity to draw the defence and give a well timed pass to winger L. Bradley who scored in the corner, converted by scrum half Rockett.

Knottingley finished strongly with some fine interplay between forwards and backs and a final well deserved try for Rockett.