KEIGHLEY’S bad luck against Altofts continued last weekend with a 38-run defeat in All Rounder Cricket Bradford Premier League Championship Division Two.

Visiting skipper Andrew Wear wanted to know what his team needed to chase and asked the home side to bat first.

Altofts have relied heavily on their skipper Farrouk Alam all season, and it was Alam again that proved to be the thorn in Keighley’s side, scoring 88 in only 91 deliveries, including three sixes.

He helped the hosts to 228-4, with the pick of the Keighley bowlers being James Rogers with 2-44.

Keighley’s valiant reply was in vain. They moved aggressive batsman Adam Smith up to open the batting, but he fell for 22 off just 17 deliveries and, despite a fantastic 82 not out from 16-year-old Louis Horsfield, they finished on 190-7, picking up only five bonus points.

The defeat still leaves Keighley only 13 points from second place, but they now need to regather for the crucial home game to Carlton this weekend.

Keighley's second XI entertained Championship Division One table-toppers Undercliffe at Lawkholme Lane.

The visitors saw it as an opportunity to gain maximum points and, after winning the toss, elected to bat first, despite a green-tinged wicket.

They got off to an aggressive start, with skipper Darren Drake leading the way in his usual fashion.

However, it was Drake that was snared first by Harry Barker (2-30) for 21 which signalled a complete collapse of Undercliffe's innings.

Wily captain Allan Birkett introduced himself and vice-captain Jack Rogers to the attack, taking pace off the ball.

Undercliffe were not able to provide a response and were bowled out for 107 in the 35th over. Rogers took 4-29 and the evergreen Birkett 3-16.

Keighley’s response did not get off to the best of starts, early wickets to the veteran Andrew Wilsdon (3-14) seeing the home team reduced to 33-4.

However, this brought 16-year-old Danny Murphy and Jason Roberts to the crease, and they who showed patience and discipline by digging in and thwarting Undercliffe's attack.

They saw Keighley home by six wickets with 20 overs to spare.

Murphy finished with 53 not out (his first senior half-century) and Roberts 18 not out in what was a morale-boosting victory for the second team.