The 41-year-old tight head prop put in a characteristically reliable shift for the Steamers, as they went down 29-20 to a well-organised and determined West Taieri side at Outram.
Although a victory would have been the icing on the cake, Keighley remained sanguine after the match, praising the fans for their unwavering support.
"It’s been a great, hard-fought match, and excellent to notch up the 300th.
"As you saw, it was tough out there today, but you can’t get better supporters than Clutha.
"Why would you give up playing when that enjoyment’s still there?"
Arriving at the Steamers straight out of South Otago High School in 1998, 23 seasons and loose change meant he had seen a fair few changes of the guard down country.
That included starting out under Grant senior, and now playing under Grant junior.
"I began as a winger under then coach Neville Grant in 1998 for a few games, then moved back into my usual central position.
"Now, it’s Neville’s son, Simon, in charge, and I’m front row, so some things have changed, some seem pretty familiar."
The transformation from fleet-footed back to bullish forward followed a serious injury in 2007, when Keighley took an inadvertent knee to the head during a tackle.
"It caused a slow bleed. Because it was so slow, even though it was affecting me, it didn’t get picked up for about three months.
"I was out of the game for about 18 months. By the time I came back, there were younger, faster players staking their claim in the backs, but the club needed a prop.
"For me it’s about the love of the game, and just being part of this club, so that’s where I ended up."
It turned out a happy move for the builder and father of three.
"I love being front row. You just see a bit more action. And you don’t need to be quite as quick on your feet. At 41, you can feel it a bit on Sundays."
Keighley had received warm congratulations from players and officials right across the rugby spectrum during recent days.
Coach Simon Grant also acknowledged his player’s contribution.
"Phil always takes everything in his stride. He’s contributed as club captain, a junior coach and on the field both as a back and forward.
"Characters like Phil are critical to the team. He’s always reliable, always there, and always gives an honest 100%, come rain or shine."
Keighley said the highlight of his Clutha career had been winning the Southern and Countrywide trophies five years in a row, between 2015 and 2019.
However, that did not mean he was resting on his laurels.
"There’s a couple of years in me yet, while my body says keep going.
"I’ve still got plenty of passion for the game."
