Dewsbury 12, Cougars 6 - COUGARS were cheered like victors after pushing Dewsbury all the way in the Arriva Trains Cup.

Gary Moorby's side dominated for much of the game, but could not get the vital score which would have given them at least a share of the points.

Deep in the second half Paul Ashton was blatantly obstructed after a delicate chip through which could have brought a penalty try. The speedy scrum half was also hacked down as he chased a long kick through.

Dave Foster was also denied by a last ditch tackle from Rams full back Jamie Benn and Andy Robinson also went close.

It was a game when Cougars matched the NFP first division side but fate conspired against them.

In the first half the Keighley side were playing into a howling gale which hurled hail stones into their faces like icy razor blades. After the interval the wind died away and the sun shone on the Rams.

Despite the conditions the Cougars looked the brighter side in the opening period. Simeon Hoyle and James Rushforth both went close to scoring, but too often after forcing their way to within feet of the Dewsbury line the final kick lacked any inventiveness.

Time after time it was tapped straight at the defensive line when a chip over the top would have caused more confusion in the high wind.

The narrow Rams Stadium pitch is one where an inspired kicking game can pay big dividends, but there were few attempts to test the Rams in the air.

With the wind at their backs Dewsbury opened up a 12-0 half time lead.

Benn gave them the lead with a penalty for offside within comfortable range.

Billy Kershaw forced his way over after being slipped a short pass by Scott Rhodes seven minutes later and it looked as if the eager Rams could be about to dominate the game.

Cougars forced their way back into the attack, but once again the vital final touch let them down and Dewsbury regained the initiative.

They forced their way deep into the Keighley half and giant prop Frank Watene forced his way under the posts from acting half just a metre out. Benn had no difficulty adding the conversion.

With just over half the first period gone there was plenty of time for Keighley to battle their way back into the game and for long periods they hammered the Rams line. Time after time they got within range, but rarely seriously threatened in the crucial last five yards.

During half time the condisions changed dramatically. Although it continued to be icy cold for the hundreds of fans who had made the trip, the wind eased and the sun shone.

Dewsbury came out determined to get the next score and kill the game, but heroic defence kept them out as Cougars showed equal determination.

Phil Stephenson had been a towering presence in the first half, and Chris Hannah dug deep in the second period, backed up by Lee Kelly.

Oliver Wilkes came off the bench and also showed real determination, but must learn not to give away needless penalties.

Jason Ramshaw set up Keighley's first score with a trade mark 40-20 kick. He then slipped the final pass which sent skipper James Rushforth racing through a gaping hole in the Rams defence. Ashton converted and at 12-6 Cougars were right back in the game.

The home side were clearly desperate. Chris Chapman was sin-binned after being the instigator of two brawls with Kelly on the receiving end, but referee Paul Taberner seemed reluctant to hand out a red card despite being on the spot as Chapman launched his second attack.

Ashton and Matty Steel combined to send Dave Foster on a race to the line, but he was halted just short.

Minutes later a three-man overlap beckoned, but Ashton's pass was wild and the chance of grabbing the draw they deserved had been snatched from their grasp.

Despite the defeat Cougars had given a performance packed with passion and pride which should give them tremendous heart for Sunday's Challenge Cup clash at Sheffield.