Keighley 19

Old Brodleians 8

In a useful pointer to next season's campaign in Yorkshire League One, Keighley added the scalp of the higher league's third placed team to that of the second placed side York, which they claimed at the end of January. It was Keighley's sixth success of the season against Yorkshire League one opposition.

Neither side was at full strength, but this did not detract from a keenly fought match which, whilst producing only two tries, had its share of excitement. Keighley's slight overall superiority forced sufficient errors from the visitors to enable Chris Meehan to press home the advantage with 4 penalty goals to add to Carl Smith's first half try and Johnny Harrison's conversion. A try by hooker Rob Townsend and a penalty goal by stand off James Horn completed Brodleians scoring.

On a perfect day for running and handling, both sides opted for an open game, with the first clear cut scoring chance falling to the visitors who were only denied a try when referee Tudor Griffiths called play back for a forward pass.

At the other end of the field, prop Paul Sinfield livened up proceedings with a rampaging charge at the line before being tackled just short. Having established an attacking base, Keighley's try soon followed when full back Carl Smith cruised to the line following a scrum on the 22 metre mark and crossed without a finger being laid on him.

Keighley continued to take play to the opposition with scrum half Scott Amos' sniping runs instigating much of the good work. A kick and chase by wingman Chris Watts nearly brought him a try and another bullocking run by the almost sprightly Paul Sinfield took him over the line but the unsighted Mr Griffiths disallowed the score.

With Johnny Harrison's imprudent loquacity earning him a spell in the sin bin, Brodleians struck back with a penalty goal by Horn for a late tackle, but Meehan replied with a penalty goal for Keighley to keep them ahead at half time by 10 points to 3.

Early in the second half Townsend was bundled over for his try following a 5 metre lineout to narrow the lead to 2 points, but Keighley then raised their game with forwards Lee Gordon and Andy Bennett setting the example. A sharp break by Meehan was checked close to the line, but Keighley continued to press, earning the chances for Meehan to add two more penalty goals.

Brodleians responded with their best passage of play, only to be denied again by a forward pass, but Keighley finished on the ascendancy with Meehan landing a late penalty goal to seal a well earned victory.

Confidence is high in anticipation of Saturday's final league game against strugglers Northallerton at Ultey, where Keighley are hoping for a good crowd to help celebrate their success in winning the league title.

Keighley 22

West Park Bramhope 7

Keighley progressed to the 2nd round of the Skipton Properties Aire/Wharfe Cup by courtesy of a fine first half performance. They lost their way in the second half against a determined West Park Bramhope side which tackled fearlessly to deny Keighley any further points.

Keighley full back Ben Woodwiss was the architect of much of the side's first half dominance, ably supported by centre Richard Emmott. A solo effort by flanker Martin Uren converted by Woodwiss gave Keighley the lead after 11 minutes play and soon afterwards a good run by Woodwiss set up a try for centre Adam Balderstone.

A good build up by Keighley's forwards with Matthew Green and Michael Race prominent brought a try for Richard Emmott, soon followed by another by wingman Warren Knowles.

Before half time, Jack Bickersdyke crossed for West Park's try, converted by Andy Clitheroe.

The second half was pointless in all senses of the word. Keighley were guilty of too many handling mistakes, as well as kicking away hard won possession.

They were unable to make progress in the face of West Park's keen defence, several times losing possession with the line in sight.

They now face Baildon 1st XV at Keighley in the second round on Monday (April 14) with the game due to kick off at 6.30pm.