Huddersfield YMCA 17 Keighley 25 - Keighley ended a disappointing league run with a much improved performance. There was a sparky edge and enthusiasm which has not always been apparent in recent weeks.

The home side had achieved some good results lately and was certainly no pushover in spite of its lowly league placing. With a good supply of ball they opened strongly and for several long minutes Keighley hardly escaped from their own half. Only firm tackling, particularly on the hard running centre Iosfa, one of 3 antipodeans in the side, kept the score line clean.

Having seen off the early challenge, however, Keighley began to play with style and aggression. After 8 minutes play a chip ahead by Johnny Harrison was fumbled by home full back Farrar and flanker Lee Gordon was quick to gather and cross for a try, converted by Harrison. Soon afterwards a break by hooker Dave Pullen created a try for second row man Michael Feather and Keighley had swept into a decent lead which should have been the foundation for further success.

Instead lack of discipline allowed YMCA back into the game. Referee Sam Dunkley was quick to penalise Keighley's indiscretions, allowing YMCA to drive play deep into Keighley territory from where the home side struck back with two well taken tries by centre Stuart Morton, one converted by stand off Luteru, to leave the scores tied at half time.

The game was suddenly evenly balanced, but a penetrating run by full back Mark Beckett soon raised Keighley spirits. The forwards maintained the momentum, forcing the home side to concede a penalty, converted by Harrison to restore the lead.

A long run from defence by Gordon then again opened up the line but the final pass failed to go to hand. Keighley were playing some of their best rugby of the season and it was no surprise when Beckett collected a kick ahead by wingman John Currie and touched down under the posts with Harrison converting.

For the second time, however, Keighley's inclination to self destruct was manifested and within the space of 2 minutes forwards Feather and Griffin were dismissed to the sin bin for over robust play. The 10 point lead suddenly looked fragile, but the Keighley defence was superb, with forwards Leigh Sugden and Lee Gordon and backs Nigel Curr and Mark Beckett standing out amongst a host of other worthy contenders for honours. Such was the side's determination that even with only 13 men they managed to increase the lead with another Harrison penalty goal.

The loss of their impressive player/coach Koloamatangi with a shoulder injury hampered YMCA's challenge towards the end, but they continued to contest, creating a late try for wingman Steir. It was too little and too late to deny Keighley a well deserved victory.

In an all round excellent performance the individual plaudits went to forwards Sugden and Gordon and backs Beckett and Balderstone. There was a new found enthusiasm and application throughout the side which, if maintained, will sustain it well for the rest of the season.

Keighley's home fixture against Old Brodleians is cancelled. At the time of writing no alternative fixture has been found.