A DIFFICULT day at the seaside for Keighley saw them slip to a disappointing 30-25 defeat at relegation rivals Bridlington, a bitter blow in their Yorkshire One survival bid.

Playing with the wind, Bridlington were dominating possession in the early stages.

But then a stray pass fell nicely for Keighley's wing forward Tom Willson, who raced away to score under the posts. The try was converted by winger Oli Mitchell.

The restart was mishandled by Keighley, which led to a penalty that Brid full back Sam Wragg knocked over the posts.

After Keighley wasted a good chance, created by centre Sean Kelly, their backs were caught out in attacking positions, and Brid scrum half and captain Otis Floyd broke through easily to score out wide, with Wragg adding the extra points.

The hosts' physical opposition forwards were dominating at the breakdown, meaning a number of try scoring opportunities went begging for Keighley.

Brid increased their lead with a further penalty from Wragg but the visitors soon responded.

Outside half Grayson Tihema broke out of defence and his clever kick over the top bounced perfectly back into his hands. He was over for a well-earned try, which was converted by Mitchell.

On the stroke of half-time, Keighley had a scrum on their five metre line, but fatally allowed Brid to push them off the ball, leading to an easy second try for Floyd and the extras from Wragg.

Brid started the second half strongly and their direct attack paid dividends with another penalty for Wragg.

Keighley, with the game slipping out of their grasp, made a big effort and gained a further three points from the boot of Mitchell.

The visitors continued to press hard with some driving play through Sam Booker and Kelly.

But they wasted two attacking lineouts and were only able to gain a further penalty from Mitchell, despite a dominant spell.

Brid, having absorbed what Keighley had to offer, moved play upfield and came up with a nicely-worked try for substitute forward Wirema Cookson, which was well-converted by Wragg.

Keighley gained a losing bonus point late on through a well-taken try for hooker Will Armitage.

Although on balance Bridlington were the stronger side, Keighley had their chances and could easily have taken the spoils.

The defeat leaves Keighley second-bottom and five points from safety. They were due to host third-placed Beverley on Saturday, but the season has now been suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak until at least April 14.