Selby 13 Keighley 17

KEIGHLEY made hard work subduing an energetic Selby but still picked up their eighth win to keep among the Yorkshire One pace-setters.

In the early stages the home side were quite determined to play a high tempo game, testing Keighley through the middle and wide out.

The visiting defence - well marshalled by Alex Brown - was up to the task, the only reward for Selby’s efforts being a penalty for full back Josh Cruise.

Keighley slowly forced their way back into the game, with their inside backs gaining control.

But they couldn't convert pressure into points and gave Selby the chance to maul their way out of defence. The hosts regained the ascendancy, with only some poor handling wide out keeping them from scoring.

The Keighley back line began to move the ball well, giving rugby league converts Alfie Seeley and Joe Copperwaite their chance to show what they had to offer.

Gaining a foothold deep in the opposition territory, some excellent approach work by Will Armitage and Dan Snowden gave second row Leigh Sugden the chance to drive over the line, Brown adding the conversion.

Just before half-time, powerful centre Ben Blackwell gave his fellow centre Seeley the chance to release winger Copperwaite. With the defensive cover streaming across, he checked inside and beat two defenders to score, Brown adding the extras.

In the second half, the visitors upped their game, forcing Selby on to the back foot. Pressure told and a further penalty for Brown. Selby redressed the balance when their lively forwards gained good field position and a penalty for Josh Cruise. Keighley more or less dominated territory but Selby's forwards chose not to overcommit to the breakdown, which resulted in extra defence in midfield and nullified Keighley’s attacking play.

With time running out, the Rose Cottage side were guilty of silly penalties, which gave the resurgent Selby forwards the chance to grind their way towards the visitors' line.

Through a series of pick-and-drives they forced the visitors into the danger zone and a well-earned try for second row Duncan Hardy, Cruise converting.

Four points in front, Keighley had a nervous five minutes but ran the clock down effectively to ensure victory.

The win kept Keighley in third place ahead of a tough game at home to York on Saturday.