Sam Booker scores clinching try as Keighley make it 'lucky' 13

KEIGHLEY made it 13 league wins on the bounce but this tense affair between two form teams could have gone either way.

The hosts were quickly into their stride, pressing in all phases, although the midfield players more or less cancelled each other out.

Winger Luke Carter, returning to the first team, justified his selection with some hard running, which forced the visitors on the defensive.

Unable to gain momentum and quality possession, Moortown found the going difficult, and when they did get their hands on the ball, they were forced to kick for field position, giving Keighley opportunities to attack.

With the half-back pairing of Rob Wilkinson and Alex Brown outstanding, Keighley probed for weaknesses, and the constant pressure told when a superb take at a line-out by No 8 Hamish Pratt and a fierce drive forced wing-forward Josh Hannah over the line.

The hosts went further in front when Moortown’s pack set themselves to counter yet another drive from a line-out but Keighley quickly slipped the ball to powerful second-row Leigh Sugden, who forced his way over for a well-worked try, Brown adding the extras.

The visitors reduced the deficit with a well-worked drive for lock Alex Willcox from a line-out but Keighley responded with a penalty from Brown.

In the second half, Moortown regained their confidence, with Daryl Gaunt landing a penalty and converting a try b y winger Bob Taylor.

With the scores level, Keighley regained their composure and made a rare incursion deep into opposition territory, where a quick throw to the front of the line-out gave prop Sam Booker an unopposed run into the corner.

The last ten minutes were tense as Keighley were put under the cosh by the skilled Moortown backs but once again they were saved by excellent defence as the Rose Cottagers held on to put 11 points between themselves and their fifth-placed visitors.