Halifax Ladies 14

Keighley Albion Ladies 40

KEIGHLEY Albion Ladies extended their lead at the top of League One after a commanding victory on their travels.

The local derby began with a break in the rain as the Albion faced their rivals Halifax.

With a depleted side due to injuries and holidays, Keighley managed to field 14 players.

Keighley knew it was going to be a battle against the strong 18-player squad of Halifax.

New Albion signing Jess Malik, from Stanningley, opened up the scoring with a well-timed pass from captain Jodee Loader.

Next to score was Albion's hard working Nicole Hannah. Halifax returned the favour and scored twice to bring the scores level at 10-10.

Emma Templeton was next on the scoresheet with a great single effort try.

Sarah Shillito grabbed an opportunity to also score, leaving the half time score 18-10 to Halifax.

The second half was as tough for the Keighley side especially with most of decisions being awarded to the Halifax team.

Keighley dug deep and were determined to get the win. Team spirit was high and, with sister duo Racheal and Nikola leading the way, the Keighley side made some ground.

Tireless tackling from Sarah Cartwright kept the advancing Halifax out of the whitewash.

Another try came from Templeton and one also from Ackroyd followed by another two from captain Loader who got her hat-trick for the second week running. This pulled the Keighley side further away to secure the well-earned win.

Halifax managed to squeeze in another, but this didn’t dampen the spirit of the Keighley win. Templeton adding four kicks.

Becky Brown worked well in the middle in her second run out for Keighley. There was also a good performance from ever-improving Hollie Feather.

It was a great team effort shown from all the Albion players, especially player of the match winner Nicole Hannah who scored and also did at least three try-saving single tackles.

Keighley are top of the table with six games and six wins and hope to remain top in order to gain promotion next season. Albion also have two games in hand on second-placed Cutsyke and three games in hand on third-placed Halifax, who both have 10 points.

Albion face another tough League One game on Sunday at Cutsyke.

League One results (Sunday, August 11): Halifax 14 Keighley Albion 40; Hull KR 50 West Leeds Eagles Ladies 16; Wigan St Patricks18 Cutsyke 10.

League One fixtures (Sunday, August 18): Cutsyke v Keighley Albion, Rochdale Hornets v Hull KR, Whitley Bay Barbarians v Halifax (all 2pm), Wigan St Patricks v West Leeds Eagles Ladies (2.30pm).