Keighley 20 Moortown 15

KEIGHLEY made it 13 league wins on the bounce but this tense affair between two form teams could have gone either way.

The hosts were quickly into their stride, pressing all phases of play, although the midfield players more or less cancelled each other out.

Winger Luke Carter, returning to the first team, justified his selection with some hard running, which forced the visitors into a defensive game.

Unable to gain momentum and quality possession, Moortown found the going difficult. When they did get their hands on the ball, it was too dangerous to move it wide so they were forced to kick for field position, giving Keighley more opportunities to attack.

With the half-back pairing of Rob Wilkinson and Alex Brown in outstanding form, Keighley probed for weakness. The constant pressure told when a superb take at a line-out by No 8 Hamish Pratt and a fierce drive forced wing forward Josh Hannah over the line.

The hosts went further in front when Moortown's pack set themselves to counter yet another drive from a line-out but Keighley quickly slipped the ball to powerful second row Leigh Sugden, who forced his way over for a well-worked try, Brown adding the extras.

The visitors reduced the deficit after intelligent kicking from outside half D Gaunt gained a foothold in Keighley territory. A well-worked drive from a lineout gained them a try scored by second row Willcox but Keighley responded with a penalty from Brown.

In the second half Moortown regained their confidence. Exerting pressure at the scrum and the contact area, they gained a penalty and Gaunt, who was having a good game, landed the kick.

Keighley contained the pressure with some sterling defensive work from their back line. However, they were unable to maintain possession and made it worse with some poorly judged kicking.

One such kick fell into the hands of winger Bob Taylor, who raced away to score near the posts and Gaunt added the extras.

With the scores level, Keighley regained their composure and made a rare incursion deep into opposition territory, where a quick throw to the front of the line-out gave prop Sam Booker an unopposed run into the corner.

The last ten minutes were tense as Keighley were put under the cosh by the skilled Moortown backs.

But once again they were saved by excellent defence as the Rose Cottagers held on to put 11 points between themselves and their fifth-placed visitors.

Keighley travel to 12th-placed Leodiensian on Saturday.