Malton & Norton 29, Keighley 38

This SSE North One East game started badly for Keighley as within three minutes Malton centre Ian Cooke crossed in the corner, winger Ali Heard landing the conversion.

But the visitors quickly overcame their disappointment, a powerful scrum and a series of rucks giving prop Paul 'Slim' Sinfield the chance to drive over the line, Alex Brown adding the conversion.

Although Keighley slowly began to dominate the forward exchanges, Malton’s big centre Ryan Lonsdale was causing a great deal of damage in midfield.

Taking the ball on halfway, he brushed at least three defenders off to score, Heard again landing the extras.

However, Keighley responded with a well-taken try from winger Adam Sutcliffe, closely followed by a typical forwards try from Leigh Sugden, converted by Brown.

Keighley, maintaining the forward pressure, kept Malton pinned in their 22 and a stolen line-out and a well-executed driving maul gave Sugden his second try.

In the second half, Keighley again started badly, Lonsdale punishing a sloppy defence to level the scores with two well-taken tries.

After these setbacks, however, Keighley regained control.

After a line-out and series of rucks, captain Sugden burrowed his way over to score, Brown converting.

Malton, raising their game, forced Keighley back into their 22 and, after a series of rucks, the ball found its way into the hands of Ali Coe, who crossed.

With time running out and three points between the teams, Keighley regained the momentum.

Taking play into the Malton five-metre area, they set up a series of well-controlled rucks. The defence was eventually worn down and prop Craig Spencer was driven over, Brown adding the difficult conversion to seal a well-deserved victory.