Yorkshire Division Two: Knottingley 7, Keighley 22

KEIGHLEY had their work cut out to overcoming a determined Knottingley team.

Although the visitors started very well, going through the phases and taking play deep into opposition territory, they were unable to break through a strong defence, their only reward for their domination being a penalty by Alex Brown.

After weathering the early storm, Knottingley, through the efforts of their forwards, well marshalled by scrum half Steven Seed, gained good possession.

However, they were unable to gain decent field position, which resulted in a change of strategy and some tactical kicking from fly half Jamie Milton.

The Keighley defence uncharacteristically had some difficulty coping with the high ball, being far too prone to mishandling or kicking aimlessly, and Knottingley's kicking game paid dividends when a fumble in defence gave winger Louis Tucker the chance to snatch possession and score a try under the posts, full back Benny Tucker adding the conversion.

Although Keighley worked hard to regain the lead, the hosts' defence held firm.

In the second half, Knottingley, from the restart, put Keighley under severe pressure but their efforts went unrewarded due to good defence, with captain Will Armitage and Shaun Minikin leading by example.

Keighley slowly but surely used the forwards and backs to move the ball around, forcing play deep into opposition territory.

Unfortunately the good work was undone through enforced errors. Although Keighley were winning the territorial battle, they at times looked aimless.

The situation changed when centre Ben Blackwell used his considerable strength to drive through the defensive line, taking out at least three defenders.

The forwards quickly recycled the ball and centre Adam Horsfall was instinctively on hand to take the final pass and score a try which Brown converted.

Knottingley upped their efforts but were unable to break through as Keighley held firm.

Realising that the opposition were tiring, the visitors gave the game more width, which resulted in some good half-breaks from Horsfall and Blackwell.

The home defence were forced to compress to deal with the threat in midfield, which gave winger Luke Carter the opportunity to carve his way across field and find Brown in support for a second try.

The final try was also a result of good wide play. Winger Liam Everett received early ball and was able to break upfield, which gave space on the inside, Brown once again being in close support to cross in the corner, full back Olly Mitchell adding the wide-angled conversion.