Keighley Academy 27 Heath 22

WITH no second team game, many clubs would bolster their third team but that isn't the Keighley Academy way.

Leigh Sugden came along to have a run for the last 20 minutes with his old sparring partner Bob Clark, who returned after a few seasons out in what was an otherwise genuine Academy side.

Keighley started brightly, with player coach Mick Philips crossing early on with a well-taken unconverted try.

This certainly brought Heath to life, their mix of youth and experience combining well to win a penalty in front of the posts and then following up with two excellent converted tries.

Keighley stuck to their guns and were rewarded before half-time with another unconverted score by new scrum half Mark Walton – his second try in his second game.

The Academy started the second half strongly, No 8 Buckley forcing his way over for yet another unconverted try.

Stalemate followed for the next 20 minutes until Clark scored a well-deserved try which was then almost immediately cancelled out when Heath broke away for a score to take a two-point lead with only a few minutes to go.

But this Academy side is growing after some hard lessons and refused to lie down.

Continued pressure finally got its just deserts with what was to be the last play, Clark crashing over for a try which was converted by Philips.

A fitting finale to what was a cracking game played in great spirit by two highly committed sides.