Bonus is scant reward for Keighley (From Keighley News)

Bonus is scant reward for Keighley

7:25pm Sunday 14th October 2012 in Sport By Sports Desk

Old Crossleyans 22 Keighley 19

Keighley dominated possession and territory for the majority of the game, yet only had a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Against the run of play, the hosts scored first with a well-worked try under the posts for wing forward Chris Jones, winger Gareth Sweeney converting.

Alex Brown levelled the score when he intercepted and raced 40 metres to touch down and convert.

In the second half, Crossleyans thwarted a number of promising Keighley attacks. The home side wisely began moving the ball wide or kicking for possession. The tactic told with a try for winger Billy Hammond.

Brown missed a relatively easy penalty but, at a ruck on the Crossleyans try-line, the ball squirted out and was grounded by quick-thinking winger Harry Titley for a converted try.

The hosts regained the lead with a penalty from full back Leigh Thomas and they added to their tally when an excellent, flowing back move and a slip inside allowed outside half Gareth Ott to cut through under the posts.

Keighley’s forwards battered away at the other end, back-rower Scott Dyson eventually crossing the line but it was not possible for the referee to see the grounding.

With the next attack there was no such doubt, as young winger Jake Hill raced over to score in the corner after some powerful forward play and quick hands. However, Keighley fell just short.