MATCH REPORT // Keighley Cougars (44) v (24) Newcastle Thunder

Newcastle Thunder fell to their second defeat of the season in try-fest at newly promoted side Keighley Cougars.

The Cougars started the fixture on top in front of a 1658 strong crowd, going close in the third minute, only to be stopped well by Thunder fullback Jack Johnson.

Keighley would then showcase how clinical they can be by scoring three tries in six minutes. Opening the score through centre Charlie Graham before second row Keenen Tomlinson powered over from close range.

A mistake from kick-off gave the Cougars a strong advantage where they shipped the ball wide to winger Lewis Young who crossed the whitewash. With two out of the three tries converted, the score was 16-0 after just 12 minutes in favour of the West Yorkshire outfit.

Thunder would then bounce back through a try of their own in the 18^th minute through Evan Lawther. Making his competitive debut in Thunder colours, Lawther stepped inside before powering over. Nikau Williams converted to make it 16-6.

Thunder were unable to keep the momentum and it would be Keighley who struck next. Hooker Thomas Doyle dotted down under the posts, with Dane Chisholm completing a routine conversion to take the scores to 22-6.

Another momentum swing saw Thunder score next. This time, fullback Jack Johnson getting on the end of a delicate kick in behind from Williams, who then converted. The score now stood at 22-12 with 30 minutes gone.

Keighley would be next to score as the half drew to a close with centre Robbie Storey going over from close range. With the conversion added the score was 28-12 as both sides saw out the first half.

Thunder would however begin the second half a man down, after loose forward Connor Bailey was sent to the sin bin just before the whistle for a late hit.

Keighley began the second half as they started the first and were quick off the mark. In the 48^th minute, Robbie Storey scored his second of the game from a flowing run, taking the score to 32-12.

Thunder were next to respond through Alex Clegg, a superb floated pass from Alex Donaghy gifted the winger space to score in the corner. Williams converted taking the scores to 32-18.

Keighley would then add a further two tries to their tally in the final 11 minutes with Nathan Roebuck adding his second before back row Mo Agoro dotted down in the 76^th minute.

With four minutes left to play, the score stood at 44-18 but Thunder didn’t go down without a fight. With the final play of the game, Jack Johnson secured his double with a powerful drive to the line.

The final score 44-24.

NEWCASTLE THUNDER SCORERS

TRIES: Evan Lawther, Jack Johnson 2, Alex Clegg.

GOALS: Nikau Williams 4.

KEIGHLEY COUGARS SCORERS

TRIES: Charlie Graham, Keenen Tomlinson, Nathan Roebuck 2, Thomas Doyle, Robbie Storey 2, Mo Agoro.

GOALS: Dane Chisholm 6.