Keighley Albion produced a much-improved performance against promotion-chasing Waterhead in National Conference Division Two but lost 24-17.

Indiscipline cost Albion dearly and coach Gary Moorby lamented: "Waterhead's first three tries came directly from penalties.

"Although this was a much better effort from my players we still gave them the game. This was another game that we could and perhaps should have won."

Albion only conceded seven penalties in the match but they conceded three tries as a direct result of them. They also had Richard Harrison sent off in the second half for use of the elbow and John Gwilliam sin-binned in the last ten minutes for dissent.

Albion got a flying start when Rob Haughey won a kick-and-chase to touch down.

Ten minutes later they increased the lead when a high kick from stand-off Simon Kelk was fumbled on the Waterhead line and Dean Brookes was first to pounce. Kelk added the conversion to make it 10-0.

Waterhead hit back through a converted try before Albion went further ahead with the best try of the game. Kelk broke from half-way before passing to Matthew Horne who turned the full-back before scoring.

Gwilliam added a drop-goal and at 17-6 Albion looked to be coasting.

But Gwilliam conceded two penalties to give Waterhead good position to run in a try in the dying seconds of the half.

That gave the Oldham side a big psychological boost. Playing down the slope in the second half their huge pack and superb tactical kicking took its toll on Albion.

Waterhead added a penalty and took the lead with their third try. The touchline conversion made it 18-17.

In the dying seconds Waterhead broke away to score their fourth try to seal the game.

Silsden Park Rangers lost 22-0 at home to fellow Pennine League Division Two strugglers Dudley Hill Eagles.

Keighley Town's first team were again without a fixture at the weekend which makes it difficult for coach Martin Plunkett to get any momentum going in the league with the team having played on average only every other week since Christmas.

The second team lost a relegation battle against Halifax Irish 19-2. They will have to improve if they are to beat local rivals Keighley Albion A in what is sure to be an interesting clash at the weekend.

Albion's second string went to Slaithwaite Saracens and won well 34-16.

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