Featherstone 22

Cougars 32

Cougar Academy produced a near-perfect opening 40 minutes of rugby as they raced into a 24-0 lead against Featherstone -- but then dropped their guard and put up a dreadful second half display.

The game started well for the young Cougar side with Adam Webster finishing off after the put the Rovers under pressure, and Stephen Hilliam added the conversion.

The score was quickly followed by and Andy Feather try under the posts leaving an easy conversion for Hilliam as they established a 12-0. Things got even better when Michael Hastings extended the lead to 16, and again Hilliam added the conversion before kicking a penalty to give the Cougar side a 20-0 lead.

Just before the break Colin Pickles fielded a kick close to his own line and ghosted through the entire Rovers team on a wonderful run. He was pulled down just yards from the Rovers line, but the Cougars were not to be denied as Andy Feather plunged over to make it 24-0. Unfortunately Pickles was injured in the tackle leading to the try and was unable to take any further part.

Whatever was said in the Rovers dressing room at the interval certainly worked as they put the Cougar Academy firmly on the back foot. Mistakes crept into their game as the Rovers, now rampant, got to within 10 points with three stunning tries.

Fortunately on one of their very few forays into the Rovers half Adam Webster squeezed in at the corner to ease the pressure.

The Cougars certainly didn't help themselves when Scott Bellamy was send off to reduce them to 12 men, and although rovers made their extra man count two penalty goals from Hilliam calmed the nerves.

Without doubt the injury to outstanding full back Colin Pickles disrupted the game plan, but the boys must learn to concentrate for the full 80 minutes. However, the way the bounced back from the previous week's defeat was a credit to them.

Youngsters Michael Hastings and Mario Ferrazzano had excellent games, but Jordan Ross deservedly took the man of the match award in only his second game for the Cougars.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the Academy are at home to Widnes Vikings, kick-off 2.30pm.

Members of the latest Cougar Scholarship intake with senior scholarship members after being presented with new kit