Cougars 14 Dewsbury Rams 28 - COUGARS are desperately searching for a spark of inspiration - and they need to find it soon.

Defeat by Dewsbury has left them struggling deep in the lower reaches of the LHF National League 2 and, although they could have won almost every game of the campaign, 'could' is not good enough.

They set out with the aim of getting into the play-offs and the chance of a place back in the higher division but that hope is rapidly slipping away.

Certainly the Keighley side matched the Rams and probably would have edged a 'points decision' if the final result had been left to a panel of judges. However, Dewsbury had the edge with two interception tries and one that came from a 'stolen ball', the Cougars also had an intercepted effort.

Both sides lacked the real commitment needed from a championship team. Dewsbury's pack of ex-Super League stars failed to shine and Keighley fans know their team can do better, they showed more passion during defeats by York and Workington.

Once again Phil Stephenson produced a rock solid performance, both in defence and attack, to earn the man of the match award. Again he was pushed for the award by Danny Murgatroyd who never gives less than 100 per cent and is rapidly becoming a fans' favourite because of his drive and determination.

The team was without Paul Ashton who was on a holiday booked before he returned to the club. Although he can be a loose canon he is one of the few players capable of breaking through a well ordered defence. The Cougars also failed to produce a telling kicking game which is an important part any successful side's armoury.

The Keighley team earned an early penalty after a break by Adam Mitchell was driven deep into Rams territory by Dave Foster. Mitchell kicked the two points and for five minutes they enjoyed a slender lead.

Rams forced themselves into the lead when they switched the ball rapidly from the right to left wings and Kevin Crouthers took advantage of space to race over the line.

For long periods Cougars dominated play. Stephenson was placed on report for a high tackle and the teams were so evenly matched it looked as if Rams' missed penalty attempt could prove costly. But as Keighley continued to apply pressure a loose pass from Daniel Harvey was pounced on by Darren Rogers, who raced the length of the field to touch down.

Cougars continued to pressurise the Rams and several times looked to have the line at their mercy, but could not made the break through which looked certain to come.

Instead it came at the other end when Andy Robinson collected the ball and looked to be running out safely only for Ryan Sherridan to steel the ball and romp home under the posts for a converted try on the stroke of half time.

Despite having a 16-2 lead the Rams had certainly not dominated the opening period and Cougar hit back early in the second half. Matt Bramald pounced to a score a try, with Mitchell adding the conversion.

Matt Foster intercepted a pass and raced 70m to score at the side of the posts and give Mitchell a comfortable second conversion. With less then 15 minutes of the second half gone Cougars were back in the game at 14-16.

The Rams were forced to hold out under intense pressure as Keighley pounded their line on three consecutive sets of six tackles. However, the Rams were next to score with Chris Hall intercepting and outpacing the Cougar defence for a converted try.

Moments later Sherridan's kick to corner was collected by Rogers for his second try and Maloney's fourth conversion wrapped up the scoring.

New boy Gareth Greenwood, signed on loan from Halifax, was thrown into the thick of the action as a substitute but had little opportunity to show his skill.