Keighley Academy 21 Halifax Dukes 13

Keighley Academy clinched a third consecutive win in Arctic-like conditions at Rose Cottage.

The team to adapt best to the elements would prevail, cold hands and a slippy ball putting paid to any free-flowing rugby. After 20 minutes Keighley drew first blood when Nathan Berry rounded the posts after good back-up play from several attackers. An Andrew Marklew conversion made the score 7-0.

The weather deteriorated further and the pitch cut up, making attractive rugby a non-starter. On 32 minutes, after a good break by Marklew following a spell of pressure, Kaleb Shaw showed good footwork to side-step the defence and crash over at the side of the posts.

Marklew added the extras before a Halifax penalty made it 14-3 at the break.

Dukes were first out the blocks in the second half. Taking advantage of a Keighley handling error in their own 20, the visitors scooted in unopposed, a successful conversion making it 14-10.

On 52 minutes the impressive Nathan Berry made one of his trademark breaks and momentum was carried on by Rori Cook, who went close only to be denied by some desperate defence.

In the next phase, Marklew squirmed his way through a melee of would-be tacklers to cross the whitewash and convert to give Keighley some breathing space.

More indiscipline on 57 minutes gave Halifax the opportunity to narrow the score, a successful penalty making it 21-13. By now the elements were creating havoc, with visibility decreasing by the minute amid driving rain, sleet and snow.

On 70 minutes the referee had no alternative but to call a halt to proceedings, much to the relief of players and spectators.

Man of the match for Keighley was youngster Joe Emmott, who showed great maturity and never stopped running.

Kaleb Shaw, who is benefiting from more quality game time, also impressed.

The future is certainly looking bright for Keighley – unlike Saturday's weather conditions.