This local derby started with a dominant Skipton persistently placing a determined Keighley side under severe pressure, which yielded three early first half converted tries.

Keighley kept their composure and started to turn the balance of the game. The forwards battled hard in the loose with Saint, Todd, Cubitt and Kirkland repeatedly driving Skipton off the ball and securing possession; in the scrums Keighley dominated the larger Skipton forwards driving them backwards and with Grey at hooker securing ball on Skiptons put in at the scrum.

By now the forwards were providing the ball for Tanner to launch the backs where Vero, Collinge and Priestley punched holes, but were unable to score.

The second half started with Keighley defending before Powell kicked well from defence to launch a Keighley counter attack, from the breakdown Vero powered over for the score, which was not converted.

Keighley now were now determined to secure victory and the forwards were punishing Skipton with strong driving from Akrigg, Saint and Kirkland before Todd drove for the line only to be denied. Keighley renewed their focus and Vero scored again, which was converted.

All team members were now eager to score and Keighley got the ball out wide to Taylor and Blackboro who was shoved into touch inches from the line. Keighley attacked Skiptons line-out ball and turned over possession at the ruck, asnd this time Todd was not to be denied.

The conversion left Skipton with a two point lead with ten minutes remaining, again and again Keighley surged forward and whenever Skipton kicked to clear their lines Powell turned defence into attack by kicking accurately and intelligently for Keighley to surge forwards and attack the tryline. Unfortunately Skipton held on to win.

This game was a vastly improved performance by Keighley in which every player gave their best and played for each other and the pride in their performance was obvious to see from the reaction of both teams at full time.