Sheffield Eagles 35, Cougars 14 - AFTER being humiliated at the Don Valley Stadium early in the year this Cougar defeat looked almost a victory.

January's 60-0 hammering came on the week that Gary Moorby took over as coach and there was nothing of credit which would be taken from the game. This time his team were playing to recover a little of their shattered pride.

For much of the opening half Moorby's side matched the Eagles this time, but once again fell victim to the 'half-time syndrome' with the home side running in tries with the last move of the opening period and the first move of the second half.

There were signs that Sheffield expected a far bigger - and far easier - victory.

In recent games they have kicked signed rugby balls into the crowd every time the Eagles scored a try. Sunday's spectators were told the tradition had been halted for 'safety reasons'.

Whether the Eagles thought they would be driven to the brink of bankruptcy by the cost of all the ball they would have to give away, or feared injury to the over worked touchline kicker was not made clear.

However, it was the determined Keighley outfit which threatened to score first. They pounded the Eagles line but the final grubber kick was too delicate to create any real threat.

Moments later Wayne Flynn opened the scoring for the home side. He burst through the fragile defensive line and straight swept past full back James Rushforth who has continued to grow in confidence since being handed the captain's arm band.

The try exposed Keighley's frail defence, with the young players being drawn out of position and failing to wrap up both man and ball when they have made a tackle.

Eagles substitute Andy Brett carved another opening, pinned back his ears and won the 70m race to touch down under the posts with Gavin Brown adding the first of his five conversions.

In January Cougars would have thrown in the towel once the opposition has taken a 10-0 lead, this time they showed real determination. As they drove back into the Eagles defence a well weighted crossfield kick was knocked down by Karl Smith, although it did not go to hand Cougars came up with the ball and Simeon Hoyle touched down. The try, and conversion from Paul Ashton, put Keighley back in the game.

Ashton followed up with an impressive break and Aussie Mick Durham was showing increased determination but could not make the final yards.

With the clock ticking down it was former Cougar favourite Matt Foster who took advantage to score with the last move before the break.

Immediately after the re-start Andy Poynter stretched their lead by going over on the last tackle and within minutes Andy Brent had broken through sloppy tackling to score the try which took the game out of reach with Gavin Brown adding the conversion to secure a 28-6 lead. The tide continued to turn against Keighley with Simon Tillier's converted try stretched the lead to 34-6.

Max Tomlinson returned from a long-term hand injury and looked impressive. He was rewarded with a try on the left after Paul Ahston had completed an 50m break .

Danny Fleary was also looking to show the determined running which has only been glimpsed briefly since joining the club. He combined with Rushforth to set up Chris Wainwright for the final try.