Yorkshire Division Two: Pontefract 32 Keighley 16

KEIGHLEY'S second straight defeat has made it very much odds-against in their pursuit of leaders West Leeds.

In a free-flowing game, Keighley were first out of the blocks with an early try for centre Ben Blackwell after excellent approach work from both forwards and backs.

Pontefract replied within minutes, a break by full back Louis Brown leading to a simple try in the corner for winger Stewart Sanderson, and his second try, from a poor kick infield, was sandwiched by an Alex Brown penalty goal for the visitors.

Pontefract confidently moved the ball wide as often as possible, causing the Keighley defence problems, eventually leading to a penalty for fly half Glenn Boyd, but Keighley replied with a Brown penalty.

Sanderson then completed his hat-trick before a Blackwell break put winger Luke Carter over for the visitors.

This game was a carbon copy of their previous league encounter, with Pontefract having the more elusive backs and Keighley the stronger forwards.

The hosts chose to throw the ball around in the second half, resulting in a wel-taken try for man of the match, centre Craig Fawcett, and a little later full back Louis Brown capped a fine performance, joining the line at pace to score near the posts, with Boyd converting both.