Bradford Victoria Rangers 24 Keighley Albion 40

KEIGHLEY Albion produced their fourth win on the spin to go top of Yorkshire Men's League Division Two.

After a slow start to the season, Albion have surged up the table thanks to wins over Allerton Bywater, Cutsyke Raiders, Ossett Trinity and now Bradford neighbours Vic Rangers.

This local derby was a close affair but once Albion got their noses in front midway through the first half, they never relinquished their advantage.

However, it needed two late tries to put some distance between themselves and their Eccleshill hosts.

Ben Benfield's try opened the scoring for Keighley but Vics replied with a converted score of their own to lead 6-4.

Scrum half Colin Pickles, who was Albion's outstanding player on the day along with skipper Chris Price, crossed the whitewash to restore the visitors' lead, Callum Hudson adding the extras.

Rangers hit back to lead 12-10 but Jack Atkinson responded with a try and Keighley remained in front for the rest of the match.

Chris Atkins went over just before the break, with Hudson's conversion making it 20-12.

Benfield crossed for his second try after the break to extend the lead before Vics responded at the other end.

Alex Young's try, improved again by Hudson, put Albion 30-18 up but the hosts refused to give in and reduced the deficit again.

It was nip and tuck but Atkinson and Pickles both grabbed their second tries late on to give Albion some breathing space.

Victory put them two points clear at the summit ahead of Leeds Akkies – who Albion visit tomorrow night – Cutsyke and Scarborough Pirates.