Head coach Graeme Sheffield has heaped praise on Alex Brown after Keighley consolidated their third place in Yorkshire Division One with a 32-7 home victory over York.

“It helps your team when your fly half is playing well, and Alex Brown was almost flawless on Saturday,” said Sheffield.

“We are, along with Bridlington, the youngest side in the division.

“Paul Sinfield, Dave Lister and Dave Pullen apart, all our players are in their early 20s.

“Maybe they seem young because I am 51 but I feel our pack can take on any team in this division, and possibly in a higher division.

“Prop Ollie Sugden has been given his chance and he is starting to take it. He is fit for scrummaging but he is getting fit to play the game too.

“I am from a rugby-league background and I like my players to handle the ball and Ollie can.

“Also Scott Dyson is our first genuine No 7 since the days of Rob ‘Doc’ Ellis.

“He brings such energy to the team, and we also have to give credit to winger Micky Phillips for running a good line from the wing and scoring a try from what was a training-ground move.”

Sheffield added: “The difference between losing to Bridlington two weeks ago and beating York this time was that we had two or three leaders.

“You need them on the pitch as there are times when you need to dig deeper, and they will help you.”

Keighley are without Stuart Inman (hamstring) for their derby at North Ribblesdale on Saturday, Ian Buckley coming into the second row and George Fletcher replacing the unavailable Sinfield at prop.

Sheffield added: “It’s a real blow losing Stuart.

"Meanwhile, Lucas Uren is staying at No 9 after doing well following some cameo appearances off the wing.

“North Ribblesdale isn’t a very long trip for us but they are a good side and will make it tough and feisty for us.

“Any side at home is difficult to beat in our division and every week there are surprises.

“With the possible exception of Bradford Salem and Dinnington, everyone can beat everyone else in our division – especially at home.”

Keighley (at North Ribblesdale) from: J Anson, W Armitage, A Brown, I Buckley, S Dyson, M Ferrazzano, G Fletcher, A Horsfall, D Lister, T Lowther, D McGee, M Phillips, C Spencer, L Sugden, O Sugden, N Thornton, L Uren, S Walker.