Keighley 86 Ackworth Jaguars 2

Keighley ended the year in emphatic style with their biggest Pennine League Championship Division win of the season against ten-man Jaguars.

Having lost twice to Ackworth last season, the hosts were out to make amends and they did so in style to give their points difference a massive boost.

It didn’t take long to get on the scoresheet with a try from scrum half Rick Leatham after just two minutes, Joe Copperwaite adding the conversion.

It was the start of a procession of scores, including several long-distance tries.

Credit goes to Ack-worth, who played with real spirit to put up a good show, despite the lack of numbers.

Playing up the slope in the first half, Keighley went in 38-0 at the interval, with tries from Kris Gott (3), Danny Barrett, Chris Atkins and Chris Price, Copperwaite add-ing four more goals.

The onslaught continued after the break as the hosts filled their boots to run in another nine tries.

Gott (3), Copperwaite (2), Jamie Stephenson (2), Rob Spencer and Barrett all crossed, Copperwaite kicking five more goals and Gott converting the last try off the touchline.

The visitors did get close to the Keighley line in the second half but could not break through and had to settle for a penalty when Barrett was caught offside charging a drop goal attempt with the score 76-0.

The Ackworth players that featured can hold their heads up high after refusing to throw the towel in. If they can get some more players back, they should be okay.

Victory for second-placed Keighley kept them hot on the heels of leaders West Bowling, who beat King Cross Park away 28-8.

That win kept the Bradford side one point clear at the top but Keighley have a game in hand on their rivals.