NORTHALLERTON RUFC first team put in a slightly improved performance against table toppers Keighley at Brompton Lodge on Saturday, before running out of steam and falling to a 13-31 defeat.

North were in the game for nearly an hour before Keighley's superior fitness finally ground North down and enabled the visitors to run out worthy winners on the day.

The first 15 minutes was an even contest , but the visitors slowly put more pressure on North, and after 20 minutes Keighley broke through to score a converted try. The rest of the half continued to a be close affair, even with Keighley dropping the ball too often, maybe due to North's pressure and the poor weather conditions.

Just before half time both teams exchanged penalties to go in at the break with the score at 3-10 to Keighley.

The second half was a much more open and entertaining affair. Five minutes after the restart Keighley had a try disallowed for deliberate crossing, but three minutes later a well worked backs move ended with a try in the corner for the visiting winger. The conversion from near the touchline sailed straight through the uprights.

Just after the hour, and with North visibly tiring, Keighley went over for another try in the corner, the fly half again with a successful pinpoint conversion from out wide.

Ten minutes from time North pressed Keighley back towards their own try line. North hooker Jonny Baker thought he had scored his first try of the season when he placed the ball down on the whitewash. Unfortunately he was only on the five yard line. Luckily, Iain Swall was on hand to pick the ball up and go over the correct line. The conversion from Ollie Walters was just short.

Five minutes from time Keighley got their fourth converted try for a bonus point, but North had the last say with an 80th minute try from Matt Argo after a catch and drive lineout. The conversion again from Walters was just wide. Final score 13-31.

North's man of the match was awarded to winger Ben Pilling.

On Saturday North are at home again, this time to Baildon, 2.15pm kick off.

Northallerton seconds hosted Wensleydale seconds at Brompton Lodge but fell to a 31-48 defeat. Both teams were short of players, fielding just 11 each, so the referee agreed to 30 minutes for each half.

In a thoroughly entertaining and free flowing game, the Dale emerged worthy winners in a game played in great spirit throughout. Among North's try scorers were Oliver Sanderson, James Sanderson Jnr and David Baker, all sons of ex players who are recent and not so recent.

Northallerton Ladies had a full team and substitutes ready for the trip to Ossett ladies away on Sunday, but unfortunately the game had to be postponed the day before due to a water logged pitch.