SSE Yorkshire Division Two

Leodiensian 34 Keighley 31

KEIGHLEY, who led 31-8 early in the second half, lost their concentration and resolve, conceding 26 straight points and with it the victory.

The visitors dominated the first half, and were 12-0 up inside ten minutes, with tries from centre Marco Ferrazzano and flanker Shaun Minikin, Alan Ebbrell adding a conversion.

Leos responded with a penalty from fellow fly half Ed Farmer, but Keighley, monopolising possession, added tries from centre Adam Horsfall and winger Luke Carter, Ebbrell again converting one.

However, just before half-time, Leos drove from a line-out, and captain Chris Lewis crossed wide out to make it 24-8.

Early in the second half, some good Keighley forward play gave veteran second-rower Steve Welsh the opportunity to score, Ebbrell adding the extras.

But then Keighley's forwards appeared to lose cohesion and a sense of purpose, and these aspects, combined with poor defensive line speed from the backs, gave Leos the opportunity they needed.

With a plentiful supply of ball and space, Farmer was in his element. His crisp handling made space for centre Mark McDaid, who simply ran through a non-existent defence to score, Farmer adding the conversion.

A few minutes later, fellow centre Mark Winter crossed wide out.

Gaining a new lease of life, the heavier, older Leodiensian forwards committed the opposition forwards to the breakdowns, which allowed their backs time and space to continually switch the point of attack, leading to tries for wingers Rob Magill and Steve Plummer, Farmer crowning a fine afternoon's work with both conversions.