Keighley good value for their bonus point win.

Keighley 27 – Hullensians 5
In an entertaining game at Rose Cottage Keighley were good value for their bonus point victory.
Even without the promising Josh Slingsby and Adam Kemp, both on duty with the county U18’s side, and the late withdrawal through injury of prop Luke Currie, they were at last able to field something approaching their strongest line up.
The return of Sean Kelly and skipper Alex Brown were key features in a strong back division and last week’s missing forwards James Fox Leigh Sugden and Dave Smith also returned to bolster the pack.
Defences prevailed in the early stages until after 10 minutes of play a neat break and dummy by Brown opened the way for centre Adam Horsfall to touch down with Brown converting.
Hullensians in turn applied pressure on the Keighley line but a break out by prop Craig Spencer led to play being worked up field. Keighley’s pack arrived in strength and it was fitting that Spencer was on hand to force his way over under the posts allowing Brown to convert.
The visitors struck back quickly and a crossfield attack created the overlap for speedy winger Josh Langford to score wide out. Keighley’s brief lack of control of the game ended when Brown calmed nerves with a long range penalty goal after spurning two earlier opportunities by kicking to the corner where Hullensians repelled attempts to maul to the line.
As half time approached a dazzling run by Seeley from his own half combined with a neat dummy was well supported by Kelly who touched down unopposed giving Keighley a well-deserved lead of 22 points to 5,
The second half was more evenly contested. Assisted by replacement Will Armitage’s 10 minute spell in the sin bin, Hullensians took advantage of some lethargic play by Keighley who were forced to defend their line for a lengthy period. The siege was finally lifted by some smart work by replacement Joe Kaye.
The side eventually found another gear and with Fox and Luke Carter performing well at the line outs and the forwards as a whole working solidly, was able to supply the backs with the ball they needed as they sought the fourth bonus point try.
They were finally rewarded when right wingman Jake Duxbury finished off a sweeping attack to touch down in the left hand corner to complete an excellent afternoon’s work for the side.
Next week’s game at high flying Heath will, however, be a more challenging exercise.
Bob Swift