Castleford 17 Keighley 22

Keighley had to draw on the depth of their resources to snatch a win in their re-arranged game at Castleford.

A heavy pitch and wet conditions contributed to a dour unspectacular match. The home side was anxious to prove that Keighley's superior league status meant for nothing and Keighley's main ambition seemed to be to do no more than was necessary to win.

Non-league games seldom have the bite and tension of the real thing and perhaps it was not surprising that the avoidance of injury in the face of this Saturday's clash with top of the table Darlington Mowden Park was of prime concern to the Utley boys.

In the event a knee injury to key forward Mark Lister and a hamstring pull by scoring machine Carl Smith has left Keighley with a few worries for the weekend.

Castleford began with a determination and passion which gradually ebbed away as the game progressed. An early penalty goal by Walker and a well earned try by flanker Steve Richardson opened up a 10 point lead before Carl Smith's pace and power brought him a try converted by John Harrison.

A breakaway try by full back Bramham extended the home sides lead, but before half time slick work by Keighley's backs led to wingman Warren Knowles crossing for a good try converted by Harrison.

Another typical Smith run brought him his second try at the same time levelling the scores. Castleford's forward orientated game increasingly came unstuck in the face of some determined Keighley tackling and careless handling by Castleford's bullocking forwards denied them the opportunity to exert real pressure on Keighley's line.

Shrewd line kicking by Harrison penned the home side in their own half for long periods until Keighley's forwards combined well before second row man Tim Midgley broke free to charge irresistably to the line for the winning try.

The home side's frustration erupted into a brief flurry of fists as the game neared its conclusion, but Keighley just about deserved their victory in spite of their low key performance.

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