New Earswick 0 Keighley 46

Keighley got back on track after West Bowling had inflicted their first Pennine League Championship Division league defeat of the season the previous week with an emphatic win over a spirited New Earswick.

The visitors had to improve their ball control and penalty count if they were to get the two points to keep them in touch with Bowling, who now top the table by two points but have played a game more.

With a strong wind blowing across the field, Keighley took the lead after just five minutes.

Joe Copperwaite made a break from 30 metres out. With the full back to beat, he passed inside to the supporting Ricky Leatham, who was caught just short of the line but managed to flick the ball out of the tackle for hooker Danny Barrett to cross.

Keighley failed to kick on and, for the next 20 minutes, the game was in the balance as the visitors gave far too much ball away. Only good defence in Keighley’s 20-metre area kept the hosts out.

On 35 minutes Keith Dixon’s side extended their lead, Copperwaite crossing for a try after running a good line off a nice ball from Leatham, Callum Hudson adding the two points.

Keighley gave themselves a cushion at the break when, on the second tackle after the restart, full back Danny Spencer ran in from dummy half on the halfway line to score under the posts, an easy conversion putting them 16-0 up.

Dixon re-emphasised the need for ball control at half-time and his words were heeded as the Champ-ionship high-fliers started the second half in perfect fashion.

On their first set on the sixth tackle Hudson put a perfect grubber kick to the posts and Leatham was first to the ball to score.

Hudson crossed next when he seemed to hide behind second row Tony Kennedy before putting the ball down by the side of the posts, also adding the extras.

Keighley were controlling the ball far better as Spencer crossed again out wide off a good ball from the returning Chris Dooling, Hudson adding the two points off the touch line.

The visitors spent most of the second half in the home side’s territory, with some strong running from Chris Price, who was the pick of the forwards.

He was helped out by all the pack, including Rob Spencer, who helped himself to the next try with a good side-step from five metres, Leatham adding the goal.

Spencer rounded off a great game with his hat-trick try after a run from dummy half, Copperwaite doing well to convert from the touchline against the strong wind.

This was definitely a game of two halves. Keighley need to repeat their display in the second one for their remaining four games as they bid for the title.

Keighley entertain Ossett on Saturday (2.30pm) at Rose Cottage. West Bowling – who went top after victory over Bank Top Harriers and a walkover against Ackworth Jaguars – were convincing 58-10 winners over Knottingley last weekend. They host Westgate Wolves this Saturday.