Cougars 28 Buster’s All Stars 32

James Feather paid tribute to Cougars players, supporters and team-mates past and present following his thrilling testimonial match on Sunday.

The legendary club captain was awarded a testimonial by the RFL for his outstanding service to his home-town club and, fittingly, the game left fans richly entertained.

Many former Cougar Park favourites such as Craig Moss, Matt Bramald, Barry Eaton, Phil Steph-enson and Oliver Pursglove lined up in a Buster’s All Stars team against the current Keighley side.

Feather has spent his entire career with Cougars and the 29-year-old said: “It was a great occasion for me to be able to play with the likes of Nathan Antonick, who I watched as a kid and has come over from Australia to play.

“To play with Barry Eaton and Matt Bramald again was great for me and I just want to say thanks to everybody who turned up and made it such a special day for me.”

Feather played for the All Stars team, coached by Paul Moses, in his customary position as hooker and helped them to an exhilarating 32-28 victory.

Paul March’s side, who included new signings Jack Lee, Lewis Graham and the returning Ross Peltier, led early on with a try from Lee which Ben Stead converted.

Three minutes later Jordan Aitchison added a second when he broke the All Stars’ line.

But Feather’s All Stars soon replied when Moss’ fine break led to Antonick powering his way over.

Former Cougars coach Eaton, who is now in charge of Hunslet Hawks and is set to become a kicking coach at Leeds Rhinos, then produced a delightful crossfield kick which gave Antonick his second try.

Eaton’s second try levelled the scores at 12-12 before Moss scored to put the All Stars in front for the first time.

Cougars trailed 16-12 at the break and they extended their lead immediately after the restart when Ryan Smith pounced on a grubber kick to score. Sean Kelly replied for Cougars but Moss soon grabbed his second and then completed his hat-trick in between a try from rookie Ethan Ryan before Andy Gabriel rounded off the scoring late on.

Feather will continue to celebrate his testimonial in the New Year with a boxing night, a race night and a dinner.

Buster's All Stars: Craig Moss, Matt Bramald, James Haythornthwaite, Karl Smith, Gavin Duffy, Nathan Antonick, Barry Eaton, Phil Stephenson, James ‘Buster’ Feather, Chris Hannah, Oliver Pursglove, Will Cartledge, Brendon Rawlins.
Interchanges: Joe Copperwaite, Danny Barrett, Ryan Benjafield, Mark Smith, Chris Baines, Jamie Stephenson, Tim Bibby, Chris Redfearn, Craig Fawcett, Ryan Smith.
Cougars: Jordan Aitchison, Richie Barnett, Lewis Graham, Danny Lawton, Dan Connell, Neil Cherryholme, Ben Stead, Ryan Patchett, Sean Kelly, Ross Peltier, Chris Watson, Ben Sagar, Jack Lee.
Interchanges: Ash Lindsay, Scott Law, Matthew Bailey, Josh Lynam, Luke Moorby, Jak Adams.