SSE Yorkshire Division Two

Barnsley 16

Keighley 12

A SPIRITED performance by Keighley was not quite enough to secure more than a losing bonus point on a quagmire of a pitch at Barnsley.

The visitors' tireless efforts deserved more but they were denied more league points by poor finishing.

An easy penalty by fly half Gilmore Appleyard gave the home side an early lead but smart work by Craig Spencer and Will Armitage soon created a try wide out for Josh Hannah.

On the stroke of half-time, however, a second penalty goal by Appleyard gave his side a slender lead.

This was increased when scrum half Wayne Thomas darted over under the posts, with Appleyard converting.

Nevertheless, Keighley replied with a well controlled maul from a five-metre line-out resulting in Hannah touching down for his second try, Ollie Mitchell adding a fine conversion.

A third penalty goal by Appleyard extended the home lead, but Keighley were unlucky not to grab the points after a prolonged attack on the line in the dying minutes.