Keighley's 'double' weekend did not go exactly to plan but saw them hold on to second place in Bradford League's Division Two.

Gomersal were the visitors to Lawkholme Lane on Saturday in a game that was only possible due to the hard work of the Keighley players and members in removing large quantities of water from the pitch following a deluge the previous day.

The visitors batted first and, in a game reduced to 25 overs a side, Gomersal skipper Bradley Parker wasted no time in cutting loose plundering a quickfire 77. He proved to be the only real threat as the Keighley bowling attack spearheaded by Ross Towler fought back well restricting the opposition to 159. Towler finished with figures of 5-62 backed up by younger brother Alex who claimed 3-70.

In reply, Keighley never found the right tempo and fell 14 runs short of the Gomersal total which resulted in them only claiming one point from the encounter.

Matthew Bottomley and Steven Nicholls showed positive signs with scores of 39 and 32 respectively. A brave innings of 36 not out from captain Steve Reape was not quite enough for Keighley to finish on top.

Although disappointed, Keighley had no time to dwell on the Gomersal result as Sunday saw a trip to Manningham Mills. It was a different story altogether as Mills were bowled out for 95 in just 35 overs. This was again due to talisman Ross Towler looking invincible with figures of 6-49. It was another family affair with the adverse swing of brother Alex Towler ending with 4-41.

Keighley took just over 26 overs to pass the Mills total claiming victory by seven wickets.

For the second game running, Matthew Bottomley top scored with an unbeaten 41 ensuring maximum points returned to Lawkholme Lane.

n Saturday's home game to third placed Bowling Old Lane will be one of the biggest games so far this season as the winner will be in pole position for the promotion run-in.

If Keighley hold their nerve and take the points, they will be one step closer to the promised land that is Division One.