AUSSIE Joel Crouch made a massive impact for Keighley on the opening weekend of the season.

The Melbourne-based batter rattled up a top score of 57 after the Lawkholme Lane side's first two wickets fell for just four runs against Bankfoot.

Only Lee Gordon and Andy Broadley reached double figures as the rest of the side struggled with their early season form.

They struggled to 112-9 but it would have taken an heroic effort in the field to rescue the game. Crouch backed up his batting performance with a nine over spell which cost just 18 runs with Alex Towler taking two wickets as Bankfoot secured a comfortable victory.

Crouch was in the thick of the action again when he made his home debut as the team secured a first round victory over Moorlands in the Heavy Woollen Cup.

It was the first time the Keighley side had entered the competition and they gave warning that they will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.

Crouch scored 62 and David Jaques added 59 with R Wood (37) also in the runs. Alex Towler did most damage, taking five for 22 as Moorlands were shot out for 52.

n Keighley 2nds had a mixed weekend suffering a seven wicket defeat to Bankfoot, and then making progress to the second round of the Crowther cup against Mirfield.

On Saturday Keighley batted first and made a poor start from which they never recovered. Only three people managed to get to double figures and the best of these was Ali with 22. Ellis was the star of the show for the visitors talking 6 for 29.

In reply Keighley got off to a good start with Ali taking three wickets. Keighley failed to make any more inroads as Fitzpatrick steered the visitors home with an unbeaten 52.

On Sunday Keighley made the trek to Mirfield to participate in the Crowther Cup. Mirfield batted first and although they never looked like getting bowled out the Keighley bowlers managed to restrict the home side. They worked hard for runs and eventually accumulated 164 for 5.

Keighley produced a much improved batting display and with the efforts of skipper Birkett, Keighley were able to keep in touch with the Mirfield score.

A mini-collapse produced a nail-biting finish with Keighley needing 12 runs off the last two overs. A six by Kamal eased the pressure and Keighley managed to get home with two wickets and just three balls to spare.