Pontefract 24 Keighley 8 - After three successive victories, Keighley were brought down to earth in a lack-lustre defeat at Pontefract.

Five enforced changes in the pack were always destined to make life difficult against a side which is traditionally strong 'up front', but for all that the Keighley men contested well for much of the game, even taking the lead early in the second half.

In an evenly contested first half they enjoyed a significant territorial advantage for much of the time, but lacked the sharpness and finishing power to turn chances into points. Pontefract, on the other hand, made the best of their only first half scoring opportunity when, after fifteen minutes of play, a break from a line out by hooker Andy Smith opened the way for centre Nick Bateman to touchdown with stand off Tim Williamson converting.

Sustained pressure on the home line came to nothing as Keighley forced their way back.

Wingman Matt Gaffney came closest when an inside pass from Johnny Harrison put him on a clear run to the line, only for him to slip on the greasy surface just short. To add to their woes, Matthew Cox was wide with a penalty goal attempt, before making amends soon afterwards, to leave Keighley trailing by 7-3 at half time.

Playing up the slope in the second half, Keighley produced their best spell. Good work by the pack led to prop Richard Leach being held close to the line, but the ball was quickly re-cycled to the backs and centre Oliver Jackson crossed wide out for his maiden try for the club.

Keighley at this stage were good value for their single point lead, but their challenge gradually faded away. A dangerous Pontefract attack was stemmed by some clever work in defence by scrum half James Tillotson, before a penalty goal by Williamson edged the home side into the lead again. Thereafter Keighley never realistically looked capable of rescuing the game.

A poorly directed penalty kick allowed Pontefract to run from their own half, creating a try for wingman Richard Oates, their potent runner, with Williamson converting.

Keighley lacked penetration in the backs and control in the forwards as the game entered its final stages. They were unable to halt a 15-metre rolling maul which set up a further chance for the now confident Pontefract backs. A well placed chip by centre Nick Dykes bounced kindly for Bateman to grab his second try and the sure footed Williamson completed Keighley's demise with the conversion.

There had been no lack of effort by the Keighley side, in which the front row of Paul Sinfield, David Pullen and Richard Leach impressed, and were ably assisted by flanker Michael Feather. Half backs James Tillotson and Johnny Harrison were the pick of the backs on a day when running chances were few.

Props Mark Smith and Evan Griffin return for Saturday's home game against unbeaten league leaders Sheffield Tigers. Rob Ellis is in the back row and Scott Amos replaces James Tillotson at scrum half.