Keighley 21 Darlington 15

Keighley ended a nine-match losing streak to overcome resolute relegation rivals Darlington.

The game started well for the home team, winger Liam McGee scoring an early try after excellent work from Marco Ferrazzano and the forwards.

Darlington, using their big pack to full advantage, camped in home territory and were rewarded with a penalty from full back Mark Baldwin.

Centre Henry Carver then crossed wide out, Baldwin adding the extras.

Things got worse for the hosts when, from a line-out on the Keighley five-metre line, Darlington’s pack forced their way over in the corner.

The home side closed the gap when quick-thinking scrum half Alex Brown pounced on a loose ball at a ruck on the visitors’ line. The second half was a war of attrition. Keighley raised their game and moved the ball as wide as possible, giving the back line, full back Harry Titley in particular, chance to attack.

The continual pressure soon told with two penalties from Brown. With both sets of forwards tiring, Keighley prop Craig Spencer broke off from a ruck to score in the corner.

Darlington camped in the Keighley half for extended periods but couldn’t break a committed defence, the hosts gaining a deserved victory.