Keighley 20 Huddersfield 10 - Keighley claimed a notable scalp with a well-earned victory over Huddersfield -- a club operating two leagues higher than the Utley side.

Neither was at full strength in a game much affected by a crossfield gale-force wind and it was to the great credit of both sides that there was plenty of entertainment on view, if not always of the highest quality.

The break from league action gave coach Tim Brunskill the opportunity to give a handful of non-regular senior players a chance to catch the eye at first team level, and without exception they justified their selection. Hooker Evan Griffin in particular was constantly in the thick of the action, ably supported by 2nd row man Rob Clarke, in a pack that benefited from the return of Paul Sinfield. The prop forward's nimble footwork, combined with his menacing bulk was a regular threat to the visitors

In the backs centre Phil Hannah did little wrong and the halfback pairing of Brady Godfrey and Chris Meehan was industrious and efficient.

After an early spell of stalemate, Huddersfield took the lead when wingman Wasim Khan crossed for his debut try from a crossfield move by the backs, but Keighley soon struck back with a penalty goal by Meehan after a barging run by No.8 Paul Salmon had taken play to the visitors 22 metre line.

It was the start of a spell of real dominance by the Utley men. Wingman Mark Beckett demonstrated his skills both in attack and defence and it was fitting that he grabbed the touchdown just before half time which edged Keighley ahead. He ran with elusive pace to the corner after recovering a well-timed pass from Meehan, who converted superbly from the touchline.

Keighley's control continued into the second half and they soon extended their lead when Sinfield barged over from close range after a good build up by the forwards. Once more Meehan judged his conversion from wide out to perfection.

Paul Salmon, Keighley's best forward on the day, was again prominent with some determined running, one typical bust almost bringing a try for full back Matthew Cox, but it was left to the irrepressible Chris Meehan to complete his side's scoring with his second penalty goal.

With the game effectively in the bag, the Utley men relaxed allowing Huddersfield to mount a solid rearguard action which brought a try for 2nd row forward Chris Howard who followed up from a charged down clearance kick by Meehan.

n For Saturday's Yorkshire Shield quarter-final at home to Pocklington (Kick off 3pm) Matt Gaffney is on the wing for the unavailable Mark Beckett and Scott Amos moves to the wing with John Hinchcliffe in the centre. Tom McArthur is at prop for the unavailable Paul Sinfield.