Rugby Union: Keighley 10, North Ribblesdale 10. The Crusaders' first match of the season was dominated by a catalogue of errors on a hot and gruelling afternoon.

The visitors crossed for two tries to Keighley's one, but the Crusaders had a conversion and penalty from Danny McGee, who hardly put a foot wrong all game.

The match seemed to be played between the two 22s, but North Ribblesdale scored an easy burst-through try by their forwards in the first ten minutes and their second try came from right wingman Spenseley in the 70th minute.

Keighley had reduced the deficit at half time thanks to a penalty goal from McGee and the same player converted a fine try by full back Gary Davey, who crossed in the left-hand corner, on the final whistle.

Searching runs by the Crusaders backs down left and right wings came to nothing with final passes going to ground or being knocked on, but encouragement can be had from the way the ball was being distributed, particularly from the two junior half-backs.

They look great acquisitions for the future, as do the other debutantes in a new-look, youthful Crusaders XV.

Otley 32, Fylde 13

Fylde came with a reputation for having a powerful pack, but they were no match for the Cross Green side.

An excellent, abrasive, display saw off the Lancastrians, their pack in complete disarray before the end and their backs had no answer to the speed Otley had to offer.

A drive from ten yards from their line to halfway after ten minutes released winger Mark Kirkby and he went over, Dan Clappison converting and then adding a penalty.

Fylde winger Nick Booth kicked two penalties before half-time, but Otley soon increased the lead when Jon Scurr was put in at the corner to bring out a fine conversion from Clappison, who then kicked a penalty.

Fylde fought back with a try from skipper Martin Scott, converted by Booth, but Otley were immediately back in charge and Brown and prop Ronnie Kelly added tries, Clappison converting the latter.

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