Keighley RUFC 28

Bridlington 8

Keighley overcame a strong Bridlington side in a fast open game, avenging a humiliating defeat by 48 points to ten back in September on the visitor's home soil.

After a shaky start they eventually outplayed the opposition, who included in their ranks two New Zealand and two South African imports, in all aspects of the game.

Early pressure led to a penalty goal after six minutes by stand off Jamie Muru, but from then onwards Keighley looked increasingly at ease.

Their forwards controlled the scrummages and mauls and were solid at the lineouts.

Defences were on top however in spite of the hard and inventive running of both sets of backs.

A brave tackle by full back Mark Beckett denied Bridlington's lively centre Girkin a likely try, but in spite of Keighley's enterprise and increasing dominance they were forced to wait until the stroke of half time before taking the lead.

It came from a powerful pushover try by the pack from a five metre scrum, with No.8 Pete Schofield touching down and Johnny Harrison mastering the swirling wind to convert

Forwards Schofield, Lee Gordon and Rob Clarke regularly caught the eye as Keighley continued their good work in the second half, and a blind side move from an attacking scrum brought a try for wingman Richard Cavender who set a fine example throughout the game with his solid tackling and eye for an opening.

The inspired Harrison added a magnificent conversion from the touchline.

The presence of Danny McGee in the centre has greatly benefited the Keighley squad. His experience at a higher level and his awareness and ball distribution has given a new confidence to the back division. Skipper Tim Marlow had his best game to date and full back Beckett was a regular thorn in Bridlington's flesh.

A neat pass by McGee set up a sharp break by Beckett leading to a try by wingman Jon Currie, again improved by Harrison giving Keighley an unassailable lead.

Bridlington fought back, taking play almost to the Keighley line from where a solid maul brought a try for prop Mark Floyd. Any hopes of a late revival were quashed however, as Keighley struck back.

After surviving a brief spell of pressure, a charging run by Leigh Sugden took play downfield and a slick break by Marlow made the opening for McGee to slice through for a try under the posts leaving Harrison with the easy conversion.

This fourth try rounded off a highly satisfactory afternoon's work for the Utley men. Their third consecutive league win should give them plenty of confidence for Saturday's home meeting with Selby.

Matt Gaffney returns on the wing and Evan Griffin starts at prop. Rob Ellis is on the bench together with Liam McGee.