COUGARS are playing for pride after being condemned to relegation following defeat at Oldham last weekend - and already the club is planning for the future.

"I have still to set down with the chairman, Neil Spencer, but a lot of hard work has been done at this club over the last few years and now is not the time to throw it all away," said coach Gary Moorby.

He added: "I know we have come in for criticism from some quarters, but while other clubs are struggling Keighley has firm foundations and is ready to move forward.

"We have some good young players in our Academy set-up and they are ready to make the move into the first team," he said.

Almost as soon as the final whistle blew on Keighley's game other clubs started making approaches to take the club's top performers, but the club is determined to keep the team together.

"We haven't thrown the towel in all season and we are not starting now.

"I am gutted, mainly for the lads, that we have been relegated because they have pushed some of the top teams all the way. We have a lot of pride and we will continue to give it everything we have got for the last three games of the season."

After losing Jason Ramshaw, Oliver Wilkes and Paul Sinfield from the promotion winning side Moorby was left with a big hole to fill and the club refused to risk its financial future by paying big money for new players.

Last Sunday's game summed up a frustrating season.

"There was plenty of effort, some great rugby at times only to be spoilt by unforced errors that our opponents were quick to capitalise on. Oldham are third in the league yet we matched them try for try. Once again the players never stopped trying yet in the end came away with nothing once again.

"I also feel I have to say that almost every decision went against us and we failed to get the rub of the green throughout the game, but that's how life is when you are struggling, every 50-50 decision seems to go against you.

"We have three matches remaining and although we are now relegated we will be going out to win all of them and give the faithful Cougar Army something to cheer about.

"The hard core of supporters that we have have been tremendous throughout the season and we would like to give them a lift in our last three games, two of which are at home," Moorby said.

Matt Steel and Jamie Fielden have both had to have minor cartlidge operations during the week to clear up slight problems from their previous operations and will not make the team for Sunday's clash with Doncaster. Jordan Ross is also still struggling with a knee injury.

Simeon Hoyle has missed the last two matches with an ankle injury but may be fit to return at the weekend, whilst Danny Ekis returned to action against Oldham and came through the game without further difficulties and will be in Sunday's squad.