Yorkshire One: Middlesbrough 29 Keighley 23

KEIGHLEY had to settle for a losing bonus-point in a hard-fought, high-tempo game.

In the first passage of play, Middlesbrough threw a long pass directly into the hands of Keighley winger Jason Kaye, who sprinted 30 yards to score in the corner.

The hosts were stung into action, driving down the middle to force Keighley's defence to narrow. Quick ball saw winger Sean Moloney through to open Boro's account, former Wharfedale captain Andy Baggett converting.

Forwards Rob Baldwin and Sam Booker made good ground for Keighley, who were unable to capitalise on their territorial advantage through poor line-out play.

Middlesbrough returned play to the visitors' 22, and a break from a scrum gave scrum half Connor Foley chance to run diagonally across defenders to score wide out.

Keighley hit back when good driving forward play forced the hosts to concede two penalties, both of which Alex Brown converted.

But Middlesbrough had the last word of the half when a half break down the right by playmaker Peter Homer drew a number of defenders. A quick flick pass inside saw unmarked winger Brendan Hill cross the line, the sure-footed Baggett kicking the conversion.

In the second half, Middlesbrough played with confidence as outside half Baggett orchestrated things.

Fortunately for Keighley, the long range boot of debutant full back Jake Duxbury got them out of trouble.

Hard work by the pack forced Boro on to the back foot, which gave Keighley centre Rob Wilkinson chance to break through in a two-on-one situation. A well-timed pass saw winger James Morton go over in the corner.

Middlesbrough were intent on playing to their three-quarter strength and moved the ball wide at every opportunity.

The constant pressure kept Keighley pinned in their half and some well-executed back play was finished off with a try under the posts for centre Peter Homan, Baggett converting.

Keighley showed character to get themselves back into the game. Good hands in the backs gave winger Kaye a run to the line and, dodging the last defender, he touched down for his second try. Brown managed the narrow angled conversion to put Keighley within three points of the hosts.

It let to a frantic finale but a Baggett penalty sealed the result.

The sides meet again on Saturday – this time at Rose Cottage – in the quarter-final of the Yorkshire Shield.