A HIGH-SCORING Yorkshire Two game between Wensleydale and Keighley, with both sides committed to playing open rugby, resulted in an exciting 41-30 away win for the latter.

The game lacked structure, and up to the final quarter, the result could have gone either way.

Wensleydale started well, and some neat work from their back row led to an early penalty for outside half Jack Reynard.

Keighley eventually gained territory and earned two kickable penalties.

But they opted for a scrum on both occasions, with neither resulting in any points.

The defences got on top for a while, but the stalemate was broken when Keighley winger Kristian Bealey-Kay broke away to score in the corner, with Alex Brown adding the difficult conversion.

Wensleydale were quick to respond, and some quality back play delivered the ball to their winger Charlie Townson, who chipped and gathered to score a superb try under the posts, which was converted by Reynard.

Gaining confidence and control, the Wensleydale forwards drove play to the opposition line, resulting in a try for number eight Tom Lawson, with Reynard adding the extras.

In the second half, Keighley, facing a 10-point deficit, looked more purposeful.

Early lineout possession was driven infield, and the defenders were forced to narrow, giving winger Alan Ebbrell enough space to cross in the corner.

Wensleydale once again hit back and managed to increase their lead with a penalty from Reynard.

At this stage of the game, Keighley started using their forwards to greater effect, and some lovely link play from their number eight Tom Whyte and forceful running caused the home side to concede a penalty.

A quick tap by scrum half George Marshall eventually saw the ball find powerful prop Sam Booker on the charge, and he scored a well taken try.

Keighley continued to pressurise their hosts and a line break from centre Sean Kelly gave winger Ebbrell his second try, which was converted by Brown.

Keighley’s lead was reduced by another penalty from Reynard, but with full-back Alfie Seeley and centre Kelly making sniping runs through the midfield, the visitors slowly began to dominate proceedings.

A well-timed pass from wing forward Lucas Uren gave Seeley space and the chance to deliver a final pass to winger Bealey-Kay for his second try, which was converted by Brown.

Towards the end of the game, Keighley prop Booker was yellow carded, however, the away side managed the situation well, gaining another penalty for Alex Brown and a well-earned converted try for Seeley.

Wensleydale refused to give in, and their efforts paid off with a try for centre Will Reynolds that was converted by Reynard.

In the end, Keighley got the job done, getting a well-earned bonus point away victory to make it three wins from three in Yorkshire Two.