COUGARS head to Gateshead Thunder on Sunday desperate for a win to get their league campaign on track.

The north east club have several overseas players this season and will be riding high with bags of confidence after picking up a 51-32 victory over Swinton last weekend.

"We need to be prepared for a tough game because Gateshead had a good win last week and they will be very confident," coach Gary Moorby said.

But there will be a number of senior players returning to the Cougar ranks after missing last week's game.

Danny Ekis was due to play with the Under-21s side at Leeds on Thursday evening while James Rushforth, Paul Ashton and Jason Clegg could all be back in contention after missing last week.

"Once again errors proved very costly against Dewsbury and two major errors in the first half flattered their half time lead," Moorby said.

"An interception on their 10 metre line and a stolen ball coming out of our 10 metre area really hurt us. We rolled our sleeves up in the second half and had them on the ropes when we brought it back to

14-16. They were there to be beaten, but instead of staying patient and playing out the sets we threw out a risky wide ball which they intercepted and the game had gone.

"The effort was there for all to see, however we created several opportunities but failed to take them count. Unfortunately effort is not enough and will not win games unless it is combined with patience and opportunities are taken," he said.

n Cougar Under-18s play Whitehaven at Cougar Park on Saturday, kick-off at 2.30.

n The second Phil Stephenson Testimonal Quiz Night is to be held at Cougar Park on Friday, June 24.

The first event was a tremendous success and entrance will once again be £20 per team to include supper.

A testimonial golf day is to be held at Branshaw Golf Club on July 22.