Keighley 26, Huddersfield YMCA 34 - League leaders Huddersfield YMCA finally came out on top in a fiercely fought match at Utley, but not before a tenacious Keighley side had stretched them to the limit.

The Huddersfield side has largely been rebuilt since it inflicted a last minute defeat on Keighley in early September and looks capable of making an impression at a higher level next season after securing promotion in Saturday's game.

The visitors had obvious talent, both in the backs and forwards, and it is a pity that their main strategy was based upon intimidation and bullyboy tactics. To Keighley's great credit, they never took a step backwards and in spite of a clear weight disadvantage, matched the opposition in most departments.

Huddersfield's aggression could easily have caused their downfall. A ferocious head high tackle by centre Satu on Dale Towler after only 3 minutes play led to the New Zealander being banished to the sin bin and Johnny Harrison's resulting penalty goal putting Keighley ahead. The visitors were uneasy with Keighley's spirited early play and a further indiscretion soon led to Harrison's second penalty goal.

The Huddersfield threat was, however, always looming and after stand off Morton had kicked to the corner from a penalty award, there was a distinct inevitability in the resulting try by second row man Hellawell following a powerful eight man rolling maul.

Keighley responded with a thrilling try by full back Carl Smith from a lovely move by the backs. Johnny Harrison's sweet reverse pass found brother Martin in support and the ball was quickly moved to Smith on the overlap. Harrison converted from the touchline to establish an eight-point lead.

This was reduced to a single point by half time after Huddersfield's New Zealand full back Lutery hit the line at pace to create a fine try for the ever dangerous Satu, but Keighley were, nonetheless, good value for their slender lead.

A penalty by Harrison early in the second half gave Keighley added breathing space but Huddersfield again showed their potential. Powerful wingman Derose made 50 meters before being checked close to the line by Smith and scrum half Ian Woodwiss, but having set up an attacking base No. 6 Walker bagged a try from another almost unstoppable rolling maul. Lutery added the goal and Huddersfield were ahead for the first time.

The lead was short lived when Harrison landed his fourth penalty goal but a penalty by Lutery edged Huddersfield back in front.

The game, was at this stage, wide open, but Keighley's aspirations were rocked when Lutery scooped up a loose ball deep in his own half. The referee was one of the few not to have noticed a blatant knock on and the full back held off a posse of pursuers to cross unopposed between the posts before adding the conversion.

Again Keighley came back with admiral conviction and full back Carl Smith was held just short of the line. A second try by the hard running Satu, however, effectively sealed Huddersfield's win, despite a late converted try by Keighley wingman Chris Watts from a tapped penalty.

It was a close call. Take away Satu's disputed try and only a single point would have separated the sides. And what might have been the result if the centre had been sent off, as he most certainly should have been, for his cynical high tackle?