Road to Wembley: Keighley march on

Keighley Cougars were partying all the way from Leigh Sports Village to Cougar Park after securing their place in the quarter-final of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup.

After edging in front mid-way through the first half Paul March‘s men always had the edge while battling Swinton paid the price for giving too much ball away.

The party continued into the night back home in Yorkshire with March dreaming of a plum draw against Leeds Rhinos.

 “We didn’t play particularly well but we’re in the last eight and that’s all that matters,” said March

“I’m very pleased with the result. The lads have been working very hard and now deserve the chance to get a plum draw in the next round – Leeds Rhinos away! That will really help the club.

“We played some good stuff, but took the foot off the gas a bit which let them back into it. But overall I am really pleased with the outcome, I thought we deserved the win.”

Lions coach Ian Watson reckons his side – unable to play any dual-registered players from Warrington – were far too generous to the opposition.

“I’m very disappointed as we have worked very hard, but we are giving away too many penalties in the wrong places.”

Swinton led 10-4 after 15 minutes with two Anthony Bowman tries after Danny Lawton had opened the scoring for Keighley after two minutes.

But the Cougars hit back with tries from Jode Sheriffe and Richie Barnett before half-time, and James Craven and Barnett’s second after the break to lead 26-14.

Swinton replied with two tries in two minutes on the hour mark when centre Bowman completed his hat-trick and trialist Steve Lewis went over.

But Daley Williams made sure it was the Yorkshiremen who were celebrating by touching down a minute later, with Danny Jones adding his fourth conversion of the game.

Paul Handforth also added a drop goal to leave Swinton needing three tries to get back in the game.