Halifax Irish 8 Keighley 20

Keighley moved up to sixth in the table after completing the double over Irish at Saville Park.

Having beaten their Halifax hosts in the corresponding fixture last November, Keith Dixon’s men started well and spent the first 10 minutes in the Irish half.

But they couldn’t turn the pressure into points and, against the run of play, the home side took the lead after their centre beat the cover defence after a kick through to touch down out wide.

This setback gave Keighley a jolt to play some flowing rugby as hooker Danny Barrett made a break but was unlucky to be caught.

Their next set proved more productive, with stand-off Joe Copperwaite sending out a long pass for Paul Bradwell to run on to and beat the covering winger to score in the corner.

Five minutes later Bradwell went in again, this time after being set free by Jamie Stephenson. Copper-waite missed both conversions.

The second half started well for Keighley as Copperwaite skipped through six would-be tacklers to score next to the posts and this time he added the extras.

After a period of pressure, the visitors increased their lead with a lucky try.

The ball went to ground and first to react was captain Danny Snowden, who hacked the ball forward for Aaron Nicholson to win the race to touch down, Copperwaite adding another two.

With Irish trying to force the game, Bradwell intercepted but was unable to go the distance before the hosts scored a late consolation try.

Keighley host Hunslet Old Boys at Rose Cottage on Saturday (2pm).