Keighley's run of 4 of wins comes to an end at Selby

Selby 24 Keighley 20

Selby ended Keighley’s run of wins, with a well deserved victory. Keighley had to be content with a losing bonus point. The first twenty minutes of the game was exciting with both teams moving the ball wide. However defensive systems were the deciding factor. Many a promising attack fell apart with some firm first up tackling. Eventually Keighley began to find their rhythm. An attacking move saw Joe Copperwaite cut inside to find full back Jake Duxbury and centre Sean Kelly in support; they were stopped just short of the line. Number eight Leigh Sugden picked up two metres out and powered his way over to score. Alex Brown added the conversion. Selby with second rows Broughton and Phipps providing plenty of possession fought back, only good defence kept them out. Keighley back in their stride mounted a series of promising attacks. However, try as they might, slow ball from the breakdown meant that they were unable to find space or break the defence. The only reward for their concertive efforts was two penalties for Alex Brown. With a thirteen point lead Keighley appeared to take their foot off the gas which allowed Selby to break free, quick hands after some forward pressure gave big centre S. Birch a gap and a try in the corner. The score gave Selby renewed hope. Increased work rate and a more direct style of attack through strong running forwards played havoc in the Keighley ranks. A missed covering tackle in midfield and close support gave Selby captain C. Cicero a well taken try on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Keighley started well putting possession to good use they came close to scoring, but once again the defence was up to the job. After absorbing Keighley’s best shots the Selby forwards realised that they were getting the better of the Keighley pack, both in scrums and in the loose. The forward pressure was hard to resist which led to a series of penalties that they used to gain territory on a number of occasions their driving play from lineouts caused problems; it was only their inaccuracy that let Keighley off the hook. Keighley managed to play themselves out of defence but eventually found themselves back at a line out deep in their own half. Although they secured the ball and outside half Alex Brown was set to kick, a forward took it on himself to do the kicking, much too near his opponents. The ball was charged down and a gift of a second try for captain Cicero, converted by full back Cruise. Keighley fearing the match was slipping away from them really put their backs into it, with some strong supported drives from the forwards ground was gained. Second row Steve Welsh and prop Craig Spencer broke through the defensive line and a series of passes found winger Joe Copperwaite with a lot to do. His lovely balanced running and footwork confused would be defenders leading to a well taken try. Alex Brown added the conversion. With less than eight minutes remaining and a three point lead Keighley needed to stay controlled and keep hold of the ball. The task was too much for them, a series of avoidable penalties gave Selby a firm foothold in the opposition twenty two. Well driven lineout possession got them over the line on two occasions, but they were unable to ground the ball. The series of scrums that followed demolished the Keighley pack which led to the inevitable decision a penalty try, and the end of the game.