COUGARS launch their Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Challenge Cup campaign this weekend with the visit of French Club St Gaudens -- and are determined not to make the mistake which cost them dearly two years ago.

Memories of being knocked out of the competition by Grant Doorey's Villeneuve side in 2000 still haunt players and spectators alike. They embarrassed the Cougars by snatching a surprise 16-14 victory and coach Gary Moorby is determined his team will learn the lessons of the past.

"We have been doing our homework on St Gaudens and will certainly be taking the game very seriously indeed. They have a number of current and former French internationals in their side together with one or two Aussies, and they are led by the French national coach.

"We have got hold of a video of them in action and have been careful to prepare correctly," Moorby said.

This time Doorey, the Australian forward who was a favourite at Cougar Park, has been helping Keighley to prepare. He is still coaching Villeneuve, who join the competition in the next round, and has provided information on the St Gaudens players.

Moorby expects to be able to name a virtually unchanged squad after last week's game against Featherstone Rovers and hopes to clock up his first victory as Cougar coach.

"We have been working very hard in training and I'm sure the improvement we saw last week will continue.

"The French will be a very competitive side so we are not taking anything for granted but hopefully this time we will be giving the fans something to celebrate," he said.

French Test team coach Gilles Dumas will be hoping for a better performance from his St Gaudens team after they were beaten 30-18 by Villefranche last weekend.

Then they were without their skipper French international Arnaud Dulac who was suffering with a high temperature. He is expected to return to the Saints line-up together with other key players who missed the league game through injury.

Moorby has been working his squad hard to keep up their progress. "We have been training very well this week with a solid session on Tuesday and the return of Jason Ramshaw has made a big difference," Moorby said.

On-loan signing Danny Halliwell from Halifax has also made a big difference to the team's attacking power. He scored two tries and had one disallowed against Featherstone before being helped to the dug out with mild concussion. Together with Richard Moore, on-loan from Bradford Bulls, Halliwell has made a major impact on the Cougar side.

Moorby is also looking to add one more on-loan signing from a Super League club, but does not expect the deal to be finalised in time for this weekend's game.

"We have one or two bumps and bruises, but came through last week's game without any serious injuries which will make life easier," he said.

n Club chairman Neil Spencer this week answered criticism that they were not offering discounts to Bradford Met's 'Passport to Leisure' holders.

"The discounts were part of a package linked to grants from the local authority which are not available to Cougars 2001. I have no criticism of the council, they need to see that we can run the club properly, but we cannot afford to give all the discounts," he said.

A special student price of £6 per match is to be introduced from this weekend.

Mr Spencer added that the only lottery connected with the club was run by Craig Horne who could be contacted on 01535-213111.

"I am aware that another lottery is being launched, but it has nothing to do with the club," Mr Spencer said.