Keighley 1st XV 16 Wheatley Hills 1st XV 18 - With an improved performance Keighley were narrowly defeated in a seesaw game in which the lead changed almost with every score.

Full back Matthew Cox contributed all Keighley's points with a haul of three penalty goals, a try and a conversion, but his virtuoso effort was sadly insufficient to gain the points for the side in which Rob Clarke, Dave Pullen and Michael Feather were the pick of the forwards. Props Mark Smith and Steve Heal made encouraging debuts as the club seeks to plug the gap left by the formidable Rob Riley and Paul Sinfield who were so dominant in the front row for the last few seasons.

The backs again suffered from an irregular and slow supply of ball, with only Cox and Nigel Curr showing any real cut and thrust.

As in the previous week's game, Keighley began brightly enough and had much the better of the early exchanges. Cox's first penalty goal gave them a well deserved lead before his brave try saving tackle halted the hard running Wheatley Hill's centre Paul Purnell who had exploited a poor midfield defence. The visitors were looking increasingly dangerous and after wingman Craig Howarth's equalising penalty goal, 2nd row forward Andrew Penno penalised a Keighley line out error by barging over for the first try.

Cox responded with a penalty goal before running in a remarkable try from deep in his own half with a combination of pace and guile, adding the conversion from close to the posts.

With Wheatley Hills stand off Ian Barker in the sin bin for a late high tackle, Keighley were in a good position to retain, if not consolidate their lead as half time approached. The lightweight pack was holding up well, especially in the loose play, but a powerful rolling maul by the visitors took play close to the Keighley line, setting up the chance for Purnell once again to breach a flimsy tackle in the centre to touch down with Howarth converting.

A third penalty goal by Cox early in the second half gave Keighley a single point lead, which they showed every indication of defending. Another great run by Cox set up a five metre line-out and an acrobatic steal by Michael Feather at the throw in allowed the pack to maul its way to the line, without being able to secure the touchdown.

It was not to be Keighley's day however, and Howarth's late penalty goal proved decisive for the visitors.

Paul Salmon returns at No.8 for Saturday's home National Intermediate Cup tie at home to Oldham. In the backs Phil Hannah replaces the injured Matt Gaffney and James Tillotson is at scrum half for the unavailable Scott Amos. Kick off is at 3pm.