Keighley 28, Leodiensians 5

KEIGHLEY started this encounter well, playing some high tempo rugby and soon pressing 'Leo's' line.

However, attempting to force the game coupled with a general lack of composure let them down.

After the initial pressure, Leos countered well and outside half Ed Farmer was a constant threat, distributing superbly.

A break out of defence was their eventual undoing, as a firm tackle from Keighley centre Adam Horsfall dislodged the ball which was swooped upon by Alex Brown who found number eight Josh Hannah supporting at pace for a try under the posts, which Brown converted.

Once again Leos – prompted by half back Farmer and some strong running from number eight Stuart Costello – mounted a wave of attacks, but these were nullified by some impressive defence especially from Keighley's two powerful centres Horsfall and Blackwell.

Just before the half time whistle Keighley upped the tempo and some neat handling gave centre Blackwell a run in between the sticks, converted by Brown.

In the second half Keighley rearranged the structure of their team to ensure they maintained the fast-moving game that suits them best.

Initially it worked well. An attack wide out by winger Liam Everett found centre Horsfall in support, and a clever chip through the defence gave Everett the chance to harass the final defender. Horsfall, following up, dived on the loose ball to score in the corner, with Brown adding the difficult conversion.

Midway into the final half Leo's were unfortunate to lose a forward to a red card decision.

Keighley were slow to take advantage and Leos, with nothing to lose, began to dominate proceedings. Some good work from their forwards and backs put Keighley under pressure, and once again they were rescued by a well organised defence.

With time running out, Keighley moved into the opposition territory where a pick up from a scrum by number eight Hannah followed by a neat break by Brown gave full back Alan Ebbrell an unopposed try wide out.

Brown, who was in fine form with the boot, added the wide angled conversion.

Leos battled to the very end and a solid drive from their forwards won them a well deserved try, claimed by second rower Simon Winterburn.