Keighley backs hold the aces in derby win at North Ribblesdale

A GOOD game of open rugby saw Keighley return to winning ways at their Settle rivals.

Within five minutes, Ben Blackwell drove at the defence before wing forward Lucas Uren continued the move with a neat half-break and found full back Alfie Seeley in close support. Drawing the last defender, Seeley put winger Jack Atkinson in at the corner.

North Ribb responded quickly, wing forward Richard Wood and the pack making hard yards deep into Keighley territory. A clever switch of play to the blindside found space and a simple two-on-one led to a try for full back Jonathan Richards.

There followed a period where both teams cancelled each other out, both being guilty of some poor kicking for position.

Keighley sensed their backs had the upper hand and settled into a fluid, fast-paced game. North Ribb, on the other hand, used their pack well to restrict the visitors' possession. Their direct, forward-orientated approach led to a penalty for centre Graham Pettiford.

But Keighley had the last word before the interval. Outside half Alex Brown and centres Adam Horsfall and Ben Blackwell forced the defence to hold the middle ground, leaving space on the outside for a well-taken try for Lucas Uren.

In the second half Keighley used their possession well, moving the ball across the field at every opportunity. The plan worked, as a stretched defence was forced to concentrate on Horsfall, who cleverly slipped the ball to unmarked winger Luke Carter for him to cross wide out, Brown adding the conversion. Once again North Ribb responded, bringing on experienced prop John Thwaite to bolster the already dominant scrum.

Forcing play into Keighley territory, they gained a series of scrums, which led to penalties and eventually to a penalty try, converted by Pettiford.

North Ribb raised their game but Keighley were smart enough not to commit too many forwards to the breakdown, which meant there were more than enough defenders available to cancel out the hosts' efforts.

Returning to the attack, Keighley pressure gained a penalty for Brown. Although North Ribb battled to the end, the last quarter was dominated by the West Yorkshire side.

A 40-yard break down the touchline by wing forward Tom Lowther and quick movement of the ball led to a try for Seeley. Carter then finished off a move to score his second as Keighley ran out comfortable winners.

Keighley's next match is at home to Old Brodleians on Saturday, October 22.