Roundhegians 0 Keighley 53

A superb performance from every player brought a well-earned victory for Keighley, who leap-frogged their opponents into second place in Yorkshire Two.

In continual pouring rain and on a heavy pitch – only three games beat the weather in the division – they totally outplayed a spirited Roundhegians team.

In doing so they kept yet another clean sheet – an amazing SIXTH of the season.

And Keighley were just as effective going forward as they passed the 50-mark for the third time this campaign.

The first try came after a matter of minutes from powerful centre Ben Blackwell, following some excellent approach work by captain Will Armitage. Alex Brown added the conversion.

Roundhegians did their best to make the most of their possession but found it difficult to get out or their own half, unable to cross the gain line because of the tenacity of Keighley's defence.

Opting for field position, they kicked deep, which more often than not led to a counter-attack from the visitors.

Eventually, the continual pressure from the Keighley pack told and, after a driving five-metre scrum, No 8 Hamish Pratt dived over to score.

Roundhegians battled away and put some plays together but the poor conditions allowed the Rose Cottagers' defence to hold firm.

Once again the visiting forwards dominated and drove play deep into opposition territory. After a series of controlled try-line drives, second row Josh Hannah crashed through the last defender to score.

In the second half, Keighley ran riot. Their handling throughout the team was first rate.

A series of superb interplays between forwards and backs gave Hamish Pratt the opportunity to score his second try, Olly Mitchell adding the wide angled conversion.

With a good lead and the forwards winning quality ball, it was the turn of the backs to impress. Quick possession from a ruck gave centre Adam Horsfall the opportunity to charge for the line. He bumped away the last defender to score under the posts and Mitchell added the extras.

A little later a half-break by Ben Blackwell put Horsfall away again. He beat two defenders to score wide out.

Although Roundhegians stuck at it and managed to get into Keighley territory, they were unable to break through a tough defence.

Instead, the visitors added to their tally. After a break out of defence from big prop Sam Booker, Josh Hannah took the play on and delivered the ball to second-row partner Leigh Sugden, who drove through to score and Mitchell tagged on the extras.

The cold, driving rain began to take its toll but Keighley weren't finished as full back Alan Ebbrell broke out of defence to score and wing forward Shaun Minikin crossed the line with a fine run and touch down in the corner.

Keighley are due to host tenth-placed Sheffield Medicals on Saturday.