AUSSIE Justin Ferguson got Keighley off to a superb start in their 145-run victory over Esholt.

He scored an impressive 65 and together with Steve Reape was the mainstay of the innings.

The opening partnership put on 91 runs with Andy Broadley scoring a measured 19 while Ferguson dominated the bowling.

Reape compiled a classy 54 not out as he guided the team to 209-5 with Ahmed Gulsheraz also inthe runs with 18.

Keighley's bowlers continued their form with Ross Rowler taking two for 30, but Steve Reape stole the show with som superb swing bowling which claimed six victims for just 16 runs in an eight over spell.

Esholt's innings got off to a terrible start with Gaunt run out with just two runs onthe board. After a minor recovery which took them to 23, the rot really set in with a constant parade of batsmen heading back to the pavilion.

Keighley 2nds continued their excellent run with a resounding victory over Esholt.

Keighley started very shakily at 32 for 4 but Coppen (33) and Birkett (31) started the recovery. Ali, Bottomley and Towler carried on the attack and finished on 169 for 9. Houlbrook bowled 25 overs and took 7 wickets for the visitors.

Esholt never made any attempt to go for the six points with some negative batting. At 21 for 4 Keighley would have hoped for an early finish but a stubborn partnership of 40 frustrated the home side.

After the partnership was broken the tail collapsed to 66 all out for Keighley to record their fifth straight victory. The Esholt innings lasted 46 overs for only 66 runs, with Birkett conceding just three runs off 10 overs.

Waj Ali took another five wicket haul and Alex Towler claimed fourwickets for only nine runs.

Tomorrow the seconds travel to Saltaire where they will look for another 6 point victory.