Ackworth Jaguars 0 Keighley 62

Keighley warmed up for Saturday’s rearranged top-of-the-table clash at home to West Bowling with an emphatic victory at struggling Ackworth.

The visitors took just five minutes to register their first points when centre Chris Spencer sliced his way through the Jaguars defence from 20 metres to finish under the posts for an easy conversion for Callum Hudson.

From the restart Keighley marched up field and, after being given a penalty, put together a move that saw Joe Copperwaite cross the line out wide on the left.

The home side did not give up the fight and, with the visitors giving away silly penalties, they pressurised Keighley’s line but strong defence kept them out.

Keith Dixon’s men weathered the storm and, on 20 minutes, Danny Barrett increased the lead after backing up a break by Copperwaite, Hudson missing the goal attempt from out wide.

It wasn’t long until Danny Spencer took off from a play-the-ball and stepped his way through to touch down under the posts.

The visitors were now playing some flowing rugby and playmaker Richie Leatham crossed next after more good lead-up work from Danny Snowden and Mark Smith.

That made it 26-0 at half-time and Keighley were in no mood to ease up in the second half, scoring seven more tries.

Four came from Leatham – taking his tally to five on the day – but Jaguars, to their credit, did not give up. They enjoyed some pressure but could not find a way through Keighley’s trademark solid defence.

With Snowden back from his time with the Cougars and Smith, Chris Price, Shaun Metcalf, Chris Atkins and the Spencers – Rob and Chris – Keighley’s pack were in dominant form.

And with Leatham and Hudson guiding them round the park, Keighley looked a good side at times.

The win keeps them four points clear at the top.

However, they still have stronger challenges ahead, especially this Saturday when they host second-placed West Bowling (2.30pm)