Yorkshire One: Keighley 15 West Leeds 21

KEIGHLEY fell just short in a fine game of attacking rugby between two well-matched teams.

West Leeds dominated the early exchanges. Excellent interplay between forwards and backs put pressure on the hosts, leading to a penalty for a line-out offence, outside half Stefan James converting.

Keighley were struggling in the scrum and lineout, looking well and truly on the ropes. A lovely piece of back play allowed the visitors to extend their lead with a well-taken try by former rugby league international winger Mark Calderwood, James adding the extras.

Eventually Keighley gained some quality possession, which gave outside half Chris Meehan the chance to set the backs moving.

A lovely inside ball from centre Ben Blackwell found second row Stuart Inman in support and he touched down for a try under the posts, full back Alfie Seeley converting.

The last quarter of the half was an arm wrestle between two packs of committed forwards. Keighley, with number eight Leigh Sugden and flanker Dan Snowden leading the way, forced a penalty to draw level at half-time.

Keighley started the second half well. Centre Adam Horsfall broke through to set up support runner Seeley, who scored in the corner.

West Leeds forced their way back into the game as a number of impressive attacks were halted by stalwart defence. Keighley were caught offside and the penalty was converted by full back Breakwell.

A speculative kick was fielded by a Keighley defender in his own 22. Rather than pass inside to an unmarked team mate, he chose to run the ball but West Leeds gained possession and camped in home territory.

Although the hosts defended well, one missed tackle gave winger Calderwood the chance he needed, squeezing himself under the last defender to score in the corner. Sensing victory, West Leeds forced the pace and Keighley's attempts to drive their way out of defence saw them concede another penalty that Breakwell converted.

With less than five minutes left, the Utley men threw everything they had a weakening West Leeds. Sound ball retention and good driving forced the visitors onto the back foot but the defence held out.

Keighley are at home to North Ribblesdale on Saturday.