DESPITE fielding some players from below first-team level, a Keighley XV notched a comprehensive 59-5 home friendly victory over Burnley on Bank Holiday Monday.

The visitors, who are third in Lancashire (North), soon found out how tough their assignment would be when they conceded three tries in the opening ten minutes, and there was no way back, despite them digging their heels in.

Keighley managed to play with a shape that matched their first team, which is good for the club's future development, and tries came from Sam Walker (2), who has returned to the club from Cleckheaton, Josh Hannah (2), Will Morton (2), Shaun Minikin, Jake Hill and Liam Everett.

Ollie Mitchell, whose goal-kicking was superb, converted seven tries, including several from the touchline.

Unfortunately, Walker ran into a post in scoring his second try and is believed to have suffered three broken ribs.

Lucas Uren – who had just completed his first full league game for Keighley before Christmas since a long spell out with injury – was another casualty with an ankle problem, although that is not expected to be serious.

The Bumble Bees, who borrowed Keighley No 8 Hamish Pratt, won the curtain raiser against a Keighley Leg-ends team that included such notables as Johnny Harrison, Dave Duxbury, Kenny Dyson, Dave Lister, Dave Pullen, Danny McGee, Nigel Curr, Micky Phillips, Mathew Cox and Michael Feather.

Keighley's first team return to action a week on Saturday with a trip to Ripon.