Keighley 20 Roundhegians 10

The first quarter of the game was an even contest. Keighley were first on the scoreboard with a well taken penalty from fullback Alex Brown. Although Keighley won a plentiful supply of ball basic handling errors spoiled the continuity of many of their attacks. Roundhegians slowly began to gain the ascendency through some strong running through the middle, causing the Keighley defence serious difficulties.

Then, against the run of play Alex Brown after fielding a kick attacked from his own twenty two, a neat dummy and he was away, winger Jack Atkinson in close support took the ball deep into opposition territory before giving centre Danny McGee a try scoring pass, Brown added the conversion. Roundhegians stung into action began to apply pressure, which led to a penalty for full back Alex Jones. From that point onwards it was one way traffic.

A loose kick out of defence gave Roundhegian’s live wire full back Alex Jones the opportunity to counter attack, breaking through a weak Keighley defence, he drew the last man and gave his winger Elliot Jackson an easy run in under the posts, converted by Jones.

In the second half Roundhegians continued to dominate the early exchanges. However, replacement full back Liam Everett having probably his best game of the season launched a series of attacks out of defence putting Keighley on the front foot. Eventually the Keighley forwards began to exert control. Wing forward Shaun Minikin was outstanding, he continually made the hard yards, driving play deep into the opposition half, excellent support play from wing forward Tom Lowther kept the ball alive, with the line beckoning second rower Leigh Sugden used his power to drive over.

Although Roundhegians had their moments the Keighley pack were in control. Some rugged driving play from all members of the pack and prop Sam Booker in particular kept Keighley camped in the opposition half. Good line out possession was driven forward giving Sugden the chance to finish the scoring with his second try.