Keighley Cougars got their 1895 Cup campaign off to a flying start as they thump Dewsbury Rams 35-6.
A brace from Charlie Graham, coupled with efforts from Ben Dean, Brandon Pickersgill, Lachlan Lanksey and Aaron Brown steered Matt Foster’s side to victory at Cougar Park.
Dewsbury opened the scoring through Matt Garside, however the first half would be dominated by the Cougars.
Ben Dean sliced through the Dewsbury defence to score Keighley’s first try. Jack Miller knocked over the conversion to draw the scores level.
This try started a period of sustained Keighley pressure; and it would eventually see them gain the lead as Brandon Pickersgill scored.
They wouldn’t have to wait long for their third, as Lachlan Lanksey crashed over from short range. Miller again knocked over the conversion.
Just as the hooter sounded, Miller knocked over a cheeky field goal to make it 17-6 at the break.
The forth would come through Charlie Graham as he sneaked over the line to score, despite the best efforts of four Dewsbury defenders. Miller added his third conversion of the afternoon.
Dewsbury half-back Paul Sykes was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle, and Keighley made the most of the numerical advantage, as Graham dived over in acrobatic fashion for his second try of the afternoon. Miller split the uprights with the touchline conversion to make it 29-6 to the Cougars.
There would be one last hurrah for the Cougars, as Aaron Brown scored late on. Jack Miller added his fifth conversion of the afternoon to round off a superb day for the Cougars.
A full match report is available in this week’s League Express.
