Keighley Town 32 Dudley Hill 15 - Keighley Town ran out worthy winners in a hard fought victory over promotion rivals Bradford Dudley Hill. It was the visitors who started the brightest, they scored 2 early tries in the first 5 minutes to leave Town stunned before they had even got into the game.

Whatever was said behind the posts seemed to rally Town, and they struck back straight away through prop Rocky McNulty. A set move saw him score beside the posts, Alan Muff converted the try. Hill returned the kick off to Town, who came back at them again with a break from outstanding forward Andy Stokes. His powerful line break saw him outpace the Hill full back and score beneath the posts. Muff's conversion saw Town lead 12-10.

With such an open start to the game, both teams tightened their defences and chances were kept to a minimum. Town's pack started to dominate Hill up front, forwards Barnes, Shaw and Lynham started to make impact on the Hill line, whilst hooker Quinton Sneyd led by example in defence cutting down the Hill forwards at every opportunity.

Hill found it hard to penetrate the Town defence and rarely ventured into the Town 20. When they did get there they settled for a drop goal. This was the last score of the half, and with the scores balanced at 12-11 in Town's favour, the tie was far from won.

The second half was dominated by Town. The powerful first half work from the forwards was topped off with some fine rugby from the Keighley back line. The first score of the half was by young Full Back Tom Kenna. He strode into the line inside his Centre to score in the corner. Muff converted from touch. The try filled Town with confidence and they began to make easy yards. Hill could not stop Town's momentum and Quinton Sneyd went over from Dummy Half for a try that put Town 22-11 in front.

Half back pairing Richard Shaw and Neil Kennedy controlled the game and Town winger Harry Burns was the next benefactor of some good handling. He scored in the corner, and Alan Muff passed the Crossbar challenge by converting the try.

Hill did not give up and scored a good try of their own, but Town did not want to be outdone and Alan Muff topped off a good day with a try of his own.

Town have two games left, and will be looking to win both games to secure promotion to the Premier Division.

Keighley Town 'A' are playing at Cougar Park this Saturday against Leeds side called Woodhouse.

n Tomorrow (Saturday) Keighley Town A are to play Leeds side Woodhouse at Cougar Park.