PAUL March could not hide his disappointment after marking the final appearance of his career with a heartbreaking defeat.

The Cougars player-coach and twin brother David had hoped to celebrate promotion in their last-ever game but it was not to be.

Swinton triumphed 29-28 after holding off a spirited rally from Cougars in a tense finale.

Keighley trailed 26-16 at half-time and player-boss March admitted: “We gave ourselves too much to do in the game.

“All credit to the boys for fighting back because we could have snatched it at the end.

“But I don’t think we were smart enough in certain areas and the best side won.”

Cougars finished second behind Oldham at the end of the regular season before facing the Roughyeds in the Promotion Final at Whitebank Stadium a fortnight ago.

They lost to Scott Naylor’s men before overcoming North Wales Crusaders last weekend to earn the right to face Swinton yesterday.

March added: “We’ve been working hard all year to overcome these hurdles and I think it was one hurdle too high today.

“I’m proud of all the lads because we have stuck together through all the bad times and we’re going to have to stick together now and come back stronger.

“There are a lot of players hurting in the dressing room right now, myself in particular, especially after finishing in that manner. But like I said, the best side won and I’ve got no complaints with that.”

Cougars shipped five tries in the first half but none in the second and March added: “We said beforehand that if we could defend our line then we would be in with an opportunity to win the game.

“Unfortunately we let them some score tries, but credit to us because we came out in the second half and made it entertaining for everyone who was here.

“It’s a rebuilding process now and the young lads have experienced two finals this season and I’m sure they will want to get back to playing games like this – I certainly do as a coach.

“We will learn from it and come back bigger and stronger next year.”