Yorkshire One: Acklam 27 Keighley 22

THIS was a hard day at the office for Keighley, who lost to a revitalised Acklam side.

Though the hosts are third from bottom, this was their third win in four games and they were a tougher proposition than when the Rose Cottagers won the corresponding fixture 36-0.

Although Keighley started well, their play was too lateral and lacked intent. Acklam, having absorbed early pressure, used good interplay among the forwards to take play deep into opposition territory.

Quick release of the ball allowed full back Dean Roberts to join the line and score a well-taken try wide out, centre Ricky Scott adding the difficult conversion.

Keighley replied quickly as No 8 Hamish Pratt capitalised on a break out of defence by full back Alfie Seeley to cross the line, Alex Brown converting.

Acklam were determined to attack at every opportunity, their backs taking the ball at pace and putting the visitors' defence under extreme pressure.

Eventually a poor match-up in defence allowed centre Andy Dunn to break through and score, Scott adding the extras.

To add insult to injury as half-time approached, a poor kick out of defence gave the hosts good field position. Stolen line-out possession and quick movement of the ball gave winger Joshua Abraham a simple try in the corner.

In the second half Acklam turned the screw, their forward pressure leading to a penalty for Scott.

Keighley, who were forced to chase the game, made several positional changes which galvanised the team.

Some neat handling allowed Seeley, who was now playing on the wing, to score in the corner.

The visistors moved up a gear, with good work from forwards and backs allowing Seeley to round the opposition defence for his second try wide out, Brown tagging on the conversion.

With time on the clock and three points the difference, Keighley relaxed their efforts which allowed Acklam back into the game. Quick ball and sloppy defence gave home winger Abraham an easy try.

Keighley returned to the attack and forced Acklam to concede a penalty, which Brown converted. They dominated the final minutes but it was too little too late.

Acklam's solid defence survived wave after wave of attacks for a thoroughly deserved victory.

Keighley will look to bounce back at home to neighbours Bradford Salem on Saturday.