Yorkshire One: Keighley 14 York 5

IN APPALLING weather conditions, Keighley gained a well-earned victory through a supreme effort of grit and determination.

The first scrum of the game was judged to have been collapsed by the York front row, resulting in a long-distance penalty for outside half Alex Brown.

The early score stung York into action and they enjoyed a period of domination. Using their big forwards, they drove play deep into host territory before unleashing their strong running backs.

Although they came very close to scoring, the combination of a defiant Keighley defence and a greasy ball kept them at bay.

Eventually, Keighley, through hard graft from their pack, gained good field position. The pressure forced York to concede another two penalties and six more points for Brown.

As half-time approached, and with weather conditions deteriorating even further, York gained a line-out on the Keighley 22. Good possession from captain Chris Fox and a powerful forward drive gained a well-earned try for Russ Bowers.

The whole of the second half was a titanic struggle. Like in the first period, the visitors gained a dominant share of possession and field position. However, the defence throughout the home team was outstanding.

What possession Keighley did gain was used to full advantage, the forwards taking turns to drive the ball on.

The match-winning try came near the end. No 8 Leigh Sugden broke out of defence and the ball was quickly recycled into the hands of wing forward Tom Lowther.

He broke down the middle before scrum half Rob Wilkinson chipped over the top of a well-organised defensive wall, allowing centre Alan Ebbrell the opportunity to charge through for the try which sealed a sixth straight win and put Keighley into second spot.