A STRONG second half performance saw Selby come within one decision of claiming two bonus points in their 31-17 Yorkshire One defeat at Keighley

On a heavy, sand covered pitch, Keighley had the better of the opening quarter but were frustrated by a tremendous defensive effort from Selby.

However, the home side were able to put the result beyond doubt after that, as Selby conceded three tries in quick succession.

A missed kick to touch from a penalty after 24 minutes allowed the home three quarters to carve open the Selby defence for a try by fly half Alex Brown, who landed the easy conversion.

The second try came just five minutes later, and from a position inside the Keighley 22.

Possession was lost and the home side made a quick break out of defence. A kick deep to the Selby right wing bounced kindly for the Keighley winger and full back Alfie Seeley was able to run in at the corner for an unconverted try.

When a penalty was conceded at the break down after 37 minutes, a quick tap caught the Selby defence flat-footed with Seeley crossing for his second try.

Brown's conversion left Selby with a big ask at 19-0 behind, and things got worse when second row forward Smith Brown crossed for his side's bonus point try. The successful conversion stretched the gap to 26 points.

Selby drove straight back at the Keighley defence and smart handling created the space for Scott Hunt to open the visitors' account in the sixth minute of injury-time.

The full back then converted his own score to give the scoreline a more respectable look at 26-7 going into the break.

Selby began the second half strongly but were unable to capitalise as Keighley stretched their lead when centre Joe Copperwaite added an unconverted try on 50 minutes.

The visitors threw everything they had at the home defence – flanker Rob Fox just failing to score after 60 minutes before slick handling allowed winger Scott Adamson to score his first try in first-XV colours.

From the re-start, Duncan Hardy drove a hole in the Keighley defence and when scrum half Danny Wilkinson appeared on his shoulder, the offload gave the youngster the chance to sprint to the line. Hunt saw his conversion attempt rebound off the crossbar.

In the closing stages, Hardy made a tremendous drive at the Keighley line, with his team-mates jubilant as he appeared to score a fourth try for the visitors.

However, the referee adjudged the ball to have been held up and when a penalty was conceded shortly afterwards Keighley were able to clear their lines ahead of the final whistle.