Basic errors lead to another defeat for Keighley

Keighley made a poor start to this SSE Yorkshire Division One match.

Penned in their 22-metre area, their back three were caught out of position and a neat kick through and chase gave Selby’s full back Dan Porter an easy try, and soon after outside half John Cruise added to the score with two penalties.

Keighley gathered themselves and drove play upfield. After some neat approach play involving both forewords and backs, No 8 Stuart Inman was in support to cross under the posts, Ben Blackwell converting.

The second half started well for Keighley. They gained good field position but were let down by inaccurate line-out play, which allowed Selby off the hook and the bonus of easy possession.

Returning play to Keighley territory, Selby substitute Alex Hare took advantage of poor wing defence to cross wide out.

A similar attack a few minutes later and a subtle show and go from wing forward Rihi Brown and the Keighley defence was breached again, this time Cruise adding the conversion.

Keighley fought back bravely but a general lack of precision and slack defence led to a penalty from the accurate boot of Cruise.

The hosts, with the game drifting away from them, managed a series of attacks, and eventually their positive play gained them good field position in the opposition 22, but they were unable to secure the ball.

Selby, with the cushion of a comfortable score, decided against the defensive kick. Instead they were confident enough to move the ball down the line, and their endeavour paid off with a second try for Hare, converted by Cruise.

Keighley finished the game strongly, and a good move down the right led to a well-earned try for second row David Iliff, converted by Blackwell.

However, unless they get the basics right it’s going to be a long, hard season for an underperforming Keighley.