Barnsley 14 Keighley 22

KEIGHLEY made hard work of subduing a big, well-organised Barnsley team after a blistering start but did enough to go five points clear in second place.

The Rose Cottagers' first outing of the new year saw them claim their 12th league win on the trot in Yorkshire Two, while third-placed Roundhegians slipped up at Wath-upon-Dearne 27-8.

Within minutes Keighley were on the scoreboard as early possession and skilled interplay between forwards and backs gave winger Liam Everett the chance to cross in the corner, Alex Brown adding the difficult conversion.

The rest of the half was very much a stalemate. Both teams were committed to moving the ball around. Although Keighley were on top territorially, they were unable to breakdown a determined defence. The only reward for their efforts was a penalty from Brown.

As the half-time whistle approached, Barnsley used their big forwards to drive play deep into Keighley territory. Their efforts were rewarded with a well-taken try by winger Wragg, converted by centre Greg Colbridge.

In the second half both teams were guilty of trying too hard, which resulted in mistakes and possession wasted through poor kicking.

Eventually Keighley managed to put some phases together. Excellent interplay between big forwards Sam Booker and Josh Hannah created space for winger Everett to score his second try, Brown adding the extras again.

A driving maul from a lineout forced the Barnsley defence onto the back foot before crisp passing along the backs saw a try for winger Jack Atkinson.

At the death, and with the knowledge that the game was won, Keighley forced a lineout on the opposition five-metre line. A truly awful throw was picked off by a surprised Barnsley player and, with nothing to lose, they moved the ball quickly through the hands, allowing Chris Peel to claim a well-deserved try in the corner. Colbridge landed the difficult conversion.

Keighley host fifth-placed Moortown on Saturday.