Keighley 14 Pocklington 27

This was a deserved victory for an efficient, rugged Pocklington.

They were first out of the blocks, using their big forwards to great effect in a series of driving mauls. The directness of their play led to two penalties for winger Nick Bennett.

Keighley forced their way back into the game and came close to scoring on a number of occasions, but were held out by a resolute defence.

Near to the half-time whistle Pocklington drove play deep into Keighley territory. The forwards were unable to batter their way over the line, but did enough to check defenders, allowing an overlap that winger Billy Hardy used to full advantage, crossing in the corner.

In the second half Pocklington increased the intensity of their game, pressuring the Keighley forwards at every phase of play.

In the end winger Hardy was able to round the last defender to get his second try.

Keighley once again were able to stem the flow of attacks and thrust up field, a clever kick found space behind the defence, giving centre Marco Ferrazzano the chance to latch on to the ball and score near the posts, converted by Alex Brown.

Pocklington returned to their work and once again forced Keighley into conceding two penalties that Bennett was able to convert.

They added to their score when replacement back Ben Rees finished off a move to score in the corner. Keighley, although a beaten side, had nothing to lose and threw the ball about at every opportunity.

Their enterprise was rewarded with a well taken try for winger Adam Sutcliffe, converted by Brown.

Although Keighley battled to the final whistle they were unable to add to their scoreline.