Keighley 10 Methley Royals 12

Keighley bowed out at the first stage of the BARLA National Cup as Methley got their revenge for a heavy county cup defeat earlier in the season.

The hosts’ display was riddled with dropped passes and wrong decisions, which ultimately cost them the game.

Keighley started strongly and scored after just five minutes when winger Kris Gott crossed in the corner and made his way towards the posts to give Calum Hudson an easier conversion in the high wind.

They then proceeded to waste several gilt-edged chances to take the game away from the visitors and also had an Andy Stokes try disallowed for a forward pass.

The score at the interval was still 6-0 and, just seven minutes into the second period, Gott scored again when he squeezed in at the right corner.

The touchline conversion proved too difficult but Keighley were looking favourites for the tie at 10-0 up.

However, two tries from close in for Methey, both converted by centre Sam Payne, put the visitors ahead for the first time.

With a deficit of just two points, it was puzzling to see Keighley refuse two kickable penalty chances late in the game, which could have led to extra time being played and kept them in the tie.

Keighley are in cup action again at Crossflatts on Saturday when they entertain Premier Division outfit Queensbury in the Pennine President’s Cup (2pm).

Meanwhile, Halifax Irish extended their lead at the top of the Championship with a 38-19 win at King Cross Park. That put them eight points in front of third-placed Keighley, who have three games in hand.