Keighley 26 Dinnington 10 - After the Christmas break from league action, Keighley picked up their form to record a well-earned victory over a lively Dinnington side.

In an entertaining and highly competitive match it was the home side's power in the forwards which won the day and the tally of three tries to one was a fair reflection of play in general.

Whilst the Keighley pack always held the ascendancy, the visitor's back division threatened throughout. Only some solid tackling, particularly by centres Kevin Young and Nigel Curr, kept a check on Dinnington's sharp and imaginative three-quarters, with stand off Donkin, centre Paxman and wingman Davidson in particular posing many a threat, and experienced full back Dean Lax always on the alert for an opening.

The game began at a furious pace and there was little to chose between the sides in the first half. The best scoring chances fell to Keighley but they were unable to convert them into points. Pressure on the Dinnington line following good work by forwards Peter Schofield and Paul Sinfield brought no reward and two determined breaks by Kevin Young brought the best out of the visitors defence. It was left to stand off Jonathan Hargreaves to put Keighley ahead with a penalty goal, with Lax soon equalising with a similar effort.

A try early in the second half by Peter Schofield from a well executed move from a five metre line out with prop Paul Sinfield delivering the clever scoring pass, was just the impetus Keighley needed. Hargreaves added another penalty goal and with the pack now firmly in control a second try soon followed, second row man Paul Salmon galloping 20 metres to the line from a blind side move.

Trailing by 16 points to 3 Dinnington refused to give in and it was no surprise when Lax completed a good build up with a well taken try which he also converted. A third penalty by Hargreaves eased the pressure as Dinnington threatened to mount a come back. Handling errors by Keighley's midfield backs did much to assist them in this respect, but fortunately, the home pack remained steadfastly in control with Paul Salmon, Leigh Sugden and David Pullen always at the heart of the action.

The introduction of Willie Hafu for Morgan Bailey, who had contributed much to Keighley's improved showing with his all action approach, proved to be Dinnington's final undoing. The New Zealander's non stop running game caused increasing problems to the visitors and he finally broke free 22 metres out to cross for a try converted by Hargreaves to complete the scoring.

The win hoists Keighley into third place in the league, but their mounting injury problems are a concern. The same squad is selected for Saturday's game at Selby with Willie Hafu and Tom McArthur to start under the rotation system for Morgan Bailey and Paul Sinfield who are on the bench.