Cheers to Jim Brown for the match report
As expected the Cougars lost to the visiting Hull KR in this the first game of the Trains Cup but and its a big but, the Cougars came ever so close to beating the title favourites in a magnificent game. By the end of the game only one point separated the teams which was played out in thoroughly miserable conditions, the victors, Hull KR by the score line of 26 27.
The game was preceded by a minutes silence for past Keighley personalities which was immaculately observed, this followed by 80 minutes of exciting rugby league.
The Cougars, playing down the slope, were soon into their stride after the referee penalised Rovers for off-side within two plays, giving Adam Mitchell the opportunity to convert a penalty in the first minute, however the superb scrum half James Webster scored a great solo effort for the Rovers after dummying his way through a flat Cougar defence to score their first points this converted by Craig Poucher. The Cougars werent in the mood to give up. With a great move down the left Daniel Harvey kicked through and with plenty of support any number could have got to the ball, but it was Matt Steel who was on hand to ground the ball, Mitchell converting. It was that man Webster who again scored next as Rovers wrestled back the lead and with Poucher missing the conversion off the posts it kept the game tight. It was Cougars Daniel Harvey, who had impressed in the pre-season friendlies to score next, as Rovers shaped to kick on the last Harvey charged down the ball and once collected, managed to run the 40 meters to the line outstripping the Rovers defence. With the conversion missed but the Cougars being awarded a later penalty, they went in at half time 14 10 the good.
The first half had tested the referees patience and it was with no surprise that within minutes of the re-start the Cougars had Chris Parker sin-binned for interference in the tackle and again it was with no surprise that Hull KR took advantage. Andy Ellis was the next to score and with Craig Poucher converting, restoring the lead to Rovers. Four minutes later Rovers were in again with Paul Manson cutting through the Cougar defense galloping 50 yards to the line for an unconverted try. With only six points between both teams the Cougar faithful could only hope that the big mobile pack of Rovers didnt tear Keighley apart but slightly against the run of play the Cougars came up with a magnificent effort. Breaking from 60 yard out, the ball was switched beautifully between hands leaving Dave Foster to finish it off at the side of the posts and with Mitchell converting, bringing the scores back to level. At 20 points each it really was anybodies game.
The Cougars continued to upset the referee and with Rovers looking very strong it was without surprise they crashed over the line in the form of Andy Raleigh again converted by Poucher. The Cougars were looking tired but with great runs from fullback Rushworth and Dave Foster coming more into the game there would always be a chance. After a huge effort to gain yards up field the kick was put in by Firth for Adam Mitchell to gather the ball smartly as it bounced of the foot of the posts to score, true reward after a massive team effort. With the conversion the game was level at 26 26, but with minutes to go it only remained for Manson to coolly drop a great 1 pointer to win the game.
The Cougars were expected to lose this game and that they did but Rovers were given a severe test. Keighley to a man were massive against Hull KR, they attacked with flair, James Rushworth, Dave Foster and Daniel Harvey creating lots of chances. Matty Firth & Adam Mitchell both had good games and both look ready to take on the opposition defenses, this only leaves me the pack to mention who were huge with massive runs and a great defense in strength sapping conditions. Rovers were very strong and at times through James Webster looked very exciting. The conditions caught up with them and dry hard surfaces will suit them better however they need to be able to compete in all weathers and division 1 teams will be ready to compete.
Cougars 26 27 Hull KR
Attendance: Unknown
MOM: Mitchell
Champaign moment: Gary Moorbys decision to substitute three players in the second half. Master stroke.
The game was preceded by a minutes silence for past Keighley personalities which was immaculately observed, this followed by 80 minutes of exciting rugby league.
The Cougars, playing down the slope, were soon into their stride after the referee penalised Rovers for off-side within two plays, giving Adam Mitchell the opportunity to convert a penalty in the first minute, however the superb scrum half James Webster scored a great solo effort for the Rovers after dummying his way through a flat Cougar defence to score their first points this converted by Craig Poucher. The Cougars werent in the mood to give up. With a great move down the left Daniel Harvey kicked through and with plenty of support any number could have got to the ball, but it was Matt Steel who was on hand to ground the ball, Mitchell converting. It was that man Webster who again scored next as Rovers wrestled back the lead and with Poucher missing the conversion off the posts it kept the game tight. It was Cougars Daniel Harvey, who had impressed in the pre-season friendlies to score next, as Rovers shaped to kick on the last Harvey charged down the ball and once collected, managed to run the 40 meters to the line outstripping the Rovers defence. With the conversion missed but the Cougars being awarded a later penalty, they went in at half time 14 10 the good.
The first half had tested the referees patience and it was with no surprise that within minutes of the re-start the Cougars had Chris Parker sin-binned for interference in the tackle and again it was with no surprise that Hull KR took advantage. Andy Ellis was the next to score and with Craig Poucher converting, restoring the lead to Rovers. Four minutes later Rovers were in again with Paul Manson cutting through the Cougar defense galloping 50 yards to the line for an unconverted try. With only six points between both teams the Cougar faithful could only hope that the big mobile pack of Rovers didnt tear Keighley apart but slightly against the run of play the Cougars came up with a magnificent effort. Breaking from 60 yard out, the ball was switched beautifully between hands leaving Dave Foster to finish it off at the side of the posts and with Mitchell converting, bringing the scores back to level. At 20 points each it really was anybodies game.
The Cougars continued to upset the referee and with Rovers looking very strong it was without surprise they crashed over the line in the form of Andy Raleigh again converted by Poucher. The Cougars were looking tired but with great runs from fullback Rushworth and Dave Foster coming more into the game there would always be a chance. After a huge effort to gain yards up field the kick was put in by Firth for Adam Mitchell to gather the ball smartly as it bounced of the foot of the posts to score, true reward after a massive team effort. With the conversion the game was level at 26 26, but with minutes to go it only remained for Manson to coolly drop a great 1 pointer to win the game.
The Cougars were expected to lose this game and that they did but Rovers were given a severe test. Keighley to a man were massive against Hull KR, they attacked with flair, James Rushworth, Dave Foster and Daniel Harvey creating lots of chances. Matty Firth & Adam Mitchell both had good games and both look ready to take on the opposition defenses, this only leaves me the pack to mention who were huge with massive runs and a great defense in strength sapping conditions. Rovers were very strong and at times through James Webster looked very exciting. The conditions caught up with them and dry hard surfaces will suit them better however they need to be able to compete in all weathers and division 1 teams will be ready to compete.
Cougars 26 27 Hull KR
Attendance: Unknown
MOM: Mitchell
Champaign moment: Gary Moorbys decision to substitute three players in the second half. Master stroke.
