KEIGHLEY Cougars booked their place in the iPro Sport Cup Final with a hard-fought 31-22 victory over London Skolars on an emotion-filled occasion in the capital.

In their first visit to the New River Stadium since the death of player Danny Jones at the same venue 12 months ago, the Cougars overcame their hosts in a thrilling end-to-end game.

Paul March’s side got off to the best possible start after six minutes when Hamish Barnes showed great footwork to squeeze over the line despite the interest of four London defenders.

The two teams were determined to put on a show fitting of Danny, and the Skolars got on the board when John Paxton dived in the corner when Barnes couldn’t cover in time to make the tackle.

Cougars extended their lead when Scott Law – Jones’ best friend – powered his way over from close range on the back of consecutive penalties. However, Aaron Small raced over from 30 metres to ensure there was just a two-point margin heading into the interval.

March’s men got the second 40 off to the best possible start when just 60 seconds after the restart, a flowing passing move left space in the Skolars defensive line from which Darren Hawkyard raced through to touch down next to the posts.

The home side wouldn’t go down without a fight and continued to push Keighley all the way in the glorious sunshine with hooker Ben Pointer squeezing over from dummy half.

But the reply was instant as Ritchie Hawkyard turned his way through three attempted tackles to touch down.

London got back within two points once more when Mike Bishay’s crossfield kick was picked out of the air by Small as he outjumped Adam Brook to collect the ball and score to set up a tense finish heading into the final ten minutes.

Brook would make amends though, as just two minutes later his superb no-look kick to his right was taken by Ritchie Hawkyard as the full-back dived under the posts to claim his second and finally see off the resilient southern outfit.

Brook made sure of the result a minute from time as he slotted over a Jones-esque drop goal from ten metres out.

But the game would end on a sour note as Ritchie Hawkyard and Erjon Dollapi were both sin-binned with seconds remaining after a bust-up on the halfway line.