Ovenden A 18 Keighley Town 24 - A last minute try from outstanding prop Tom Palmer sealed a hard fought victory for Keighley Town, who progress to the semi-finals of the Halifax Cup.

The cup tie was played in blustery conditions resulting in some hard fought rugby. Ovenden came out the stronger team despite playing up the slope, displaying some adventurous rugby despite the tricky conditions. Town's good defence ensured they kept the game scoreless until the 25th minute when Ovenden crossed following an attacking kick.

Town replied within five minutes to level the scores at 4-4, wit Tom Palmer powering over from a tap kick after breaking the tackles of two defenders.

The score lifted the Town side and from the next set of six captain Daz Lynham made a break to feed the ball to supporting prop Rocky McNulty, who dashed 30-yards to score under the posts. Jason Barnes converted to put Town 10-4 up.

Ovenden started the second half the better side, powering down the huge slope and Town's defence did not hold out for long. Ovenden scored twice in the 45th and 55th minutes.

With the score 18-10 in Ovenden's favour the next score was crucial and it was Ovenden who were to cross again, Town were 18-10 behind and needing a lift.

With 10 minutes remaining some almighty defence from subs Chris Ellison and James Shaw saw a turn in the Town confidence. Smart inter-play between Daz Lynham and Neil Kennedy saw Richard Shaw cross for a try.

Ovenden could not hold the strong Town pack which started to make good yards, resulting in James Shaw crossing from short range in the 75th minute and tying the scores at 18-18.

Fitness began to tell, and it was Town who finished the stronger team. A break from Ellison and good support play by Danny Barrett resulted in Tom Palmer completing the scoring under the posts with Barnes converting.

Silsden Park Rangers 6

Kippax Welfare 23

Silsden put up a good fight against Kippax but were unable to hold on to an early lead in a game played in atrocious weather conditions.

Silsden had much of the possession during the first half and were able to make good inroads into the Kippax defence through forwards Chris Greenwood, Eddie Billing, Mark Adams, David Illiff and Lee Shaw. It was only a matter of time before Silsden found the gap and it was Tony Fella who made the break, bursting through the Kippax line with Andy Bowness successfully adding the extras in very windy conditions.

Silsden managed to hold on to this lead through great defensive efforts from Shaw, Greenwood, Adams, Antony Smith, Steve Dent and man of the match Jon Gwilliam, however Kippax managed to cross the line in the final play of the half.

During the second half Kippax had the upper hand and through a horizontal hail storm edged in to the lead with a converted try. Rangers were unable to respond and Kippax soon extended their lead with another try. The pressure was kept on Silsden through Kippax making full use of the weather conditions kicking with the wind in their favour. Another two tries for Kippax and a final drop goal wrapped the game up at 23-6.

Despite the final result Silsden put in a good performance and will be looking to build on this tomorrow (Saturday) at Emley Moor.