Keighley Cougars 28 Dewsbury Rams 32

Paul March was left frustrated as Cougars produced an outstanding response to their first-half horror show but could not quite conjure a famous comeback.

After three straight victories, an expectant crowd were hoping to see March’s side claim another win to move above Dewsbury.

But Glenn Morrison’s side were too strong for the hosts as former Bulls star Karl Pryce scored two of the Rams’ six first-half tries to establish a 32-6 lead.

Although Cougars replied after the break with four tries, their valiant fightback fell short, although they did claim a losing bonus point.

The result put a dent in Cougars’ play-off hopes and player-coach March, who started on the bench, said: “I’m disappointed that we didn’t turn up in that first 40 minutes but I’ve got to say I’m proud of the lads for the way we came back.

“We got a losing bonus point, so things are still looking good for us, but we’ve got to learn to start games better.”

Dewsbury, who included Bradford hooker Adam O’Brien on dual registration, led with a simple try in the fourth minute.

Stand-off Jonathan Schofield – son of former Great Britain legend Garry Schofield – flighted a kick to the right corner and Pryce grounded the ball with ease.

Three minutes later, he had his second when an awful handling error from Cougars allowed Pryce to race clear from 40 metres out.

Dewsbury scored a controversial third try in the 16th minute when a kick from Bobbie Goulding – son of ex-St Helens star by the same name – looked to have been knocked on by Gregg Scott.

However, play continued and Rams centre Brad Watkinson touched down with ease.

Three minutes later, Cougars scored when Danny Jones’ fine pass sent Joe Chandler over from close range and Scott Leatherbar-row added the extras.

Midway through the opening period, O’Brien entered the fray in a triple substitution and the 19-year-old had a steady influence on proceedings.

Two tries from winger James Craven increased Dewsbury’s lead and then on the stroke of half-time a mistake from Jones allowed Tommy Gallagher to grab a sixth try for the visitors.

With Goulding converting four of those, Cougars were 32-6 down and staring at defeat.

But the second-half response from the home side was outstanding as they hit back with two tries from James Haley and one from Scott Law.

Haley’s first came in the 44th minute when he finished well in the left corner.

Law then showed impressive strength to crash over before Haley did likewise to put Cougars right back in the game at 32-22.

With three minutes remaining, prop Scott Hesketh barrelled over to the right of the posts to set up a grandstand finish but Dewsbury held on.

Relieved Rams boss Morrison said: “It was a massive game for us but we only played for 40 minutes.

“For some reason, we decided to switch off and we’ve got to be smarter.”

Haley, meanwhile, sustained a dislocated shoulder in the act of scoring his second try and March will assess a number of other players carrying “bumps and bruises” ahead of Friday’s trip to Sheffield.

Cougars: Moss 6, Williams 6, Cosgrove 6, Haley 8, White 6, Jones 7, Leatherbarrow 6, Shickell 8, Feather 6, Hesketh 7, Pursglove 6, Chandler 6, Rawlins 7. Interchange: March 7, Law 7, Sagar 6, Bailey 6.

Dewsbury: Morton 6, Craven 7, Pryce 7, Watkinson 6, Scott 6, Schofield 6, Goulding 6, Nash 6, Bentley 7, Hepworth 6, Walshaw 6, Hale 6, Tonks 6. Interchange: Gallagher 6, O’Brien 7, Aizue 7, Spicer 6.

Referee: G Hewer. Attendance: 937.