West Park Leeds 2nds/3rds 7 Keighley Academy 11

WITH the first and second team games postponed at Castleford and Keighley due to waterlogged pitches, it was a relief to get the Academy's game on in Leeds following three weeks without a fixture.

It was a happy return to Keighley after a short stint at Bees for Paul "Slim" Sinfield who, along with Ollie Mitchell and Alan Ebbrell, added strength to the Academy.

Keighley started sprightly, with both sides looking to spread the ball and play attacking rugby.

Playing up the hill, Keighley kept the pressure on and were awarded two kickable penalties midway through the half which they gladly took for the impressive Mitchell to slot over.

West Park Leeds weren't going to lie down though and forced their way over for a well-taken try towards the end of the half which was converted, giving them a slender lead.

This seemed to spring Keighley into action, with stand-off Ebbrell making good ground whenever he got the ball, resulting in a fine try for young winger Tom Stell on the stroke of half-time.

The conversion was missed, leaving the score 11-7, which surprisingly stayed the same until the end of the game.

This was a great game, played hard but fair by two evenly-matched sides, Keighley shading a deserved win in the end.