York City Knights 26, Keighley Cougars 28

Cougars player-coach Jason Demetriou paid tribute to his players after they bounced back from their Boxing Day thumping at Halifax to beat York City Knights in a thrilling encounter.

Demetriou’s men were stuffed 44-6 by Halifax but they responded in impressive fashion after running in five tries against the Knights.

New signing Semi Tadulala scored twice and Danny Lawton, James Feather and Chris Clough were also on target as the Cougars overturned a 16-10 interval deficit to emerge victorious.

The second-half fightback left Demetriou in buoyant mood after his side had surrendered so meekly at the hands of Halifax.

The former Wakefield star said: “I’m a lot happier than our last performance as we came back very strongly in the second half. We also had chances in the first half and showed what we are about.”

Keighley have raised eyebrows during the winter after a stunning recruitment drive which harvested a host of former Super League players.

Tadulala has arrived at Cougar Park along with Michael Korkidas, Sam Obst, Richie Barnett and Paul March.

Demetriou added of today’s win: “We’ve still got some work to do defensively and that’s what we will focus on.

“But there were plenty of positives to take from this win. Semi Tadulala scored two good tries and Sam Obst was a constant threat.

“Michael Korkidas showed up well too and we still have Richie Barnett, Paul March and Danny Jones, none of whom played against York, to come back into the fold.

“I was also pleased with the performances of a number of younger guys and that bodes well going into the Batley game this coming weekend. We will hope to step up the intensity further in that game.”

York, meanwhile, have significantly strengthened their squad ahead of the new season with three key signings, including former Leeds Rhinos player Jordan Tansey.

The Knights have also recruited Warrington centre Ben Hellewell and prop Brooke Broughton on dual registrations until the end of the season.

Confirmation of these deals were announced at half-time during today’s game.