Keighley Cougars 17, Whitehaven 16

Whitehaven’s miserable defeat at Lawkholme Lane was compounded by a serious injury to influential skipper Leroy Joe.

The loose forward suffered a broken ankle and will get a better idea of how long he is going to be out of action when he attends a fracture clinic.

Joe’s injury and Haven’s fragile display prompted some harsh words from coach Ged Stokes, as upset over this performance as much as any other in his Cumbrian coaching career.

“Keighley played well but we helped them by making some poor decisions. We have enough good players in the squad to have coped with the Cougars and should have won the game,” he said.

The Cougars – who had already beaten Blackpool – top Pool A in the Northern ail Cup and play the third of their four games at home to Workington on Sunday.

Stokes believes his side maybe took he Cougars for granted but Barry Eaton’s side showed a lot of grit and determination to come back from 16-10 behind to steal the game.

The game was won by a late drop goal from Danny Jones which shaved the inside of the post on its way over.

Yet the game had started so promisingly for Whitehaven as they went in front after only six minutes.

Graham Mattinson managed to squeeze over in the corner and with Carl Rudd adding an excellent touchline conversion it seemed as though the Cumbrians were on their way.

But it didn’t work out like that. Two penalties from Jones edged Keighley close and then on 33 minutes they grabbed the lead – albeit in controversial fashion.

Substitutes Jermaine Wray and James Haythornthwaite linked to get the try. Wray’s grubber was followed by Haythornthwaite and although it appeared to have gone dead he touched down. His half-hearted celebration should have given the game away but referee Peter Brook signalled a try which Jones improved.
Stokes had obviously read the riot act at half-time because within eight minutes Craig Calvert had levelled the scores.

Seven minutes later Whitehaven looked to be back in charge when Spencer Miller rounded-off a sharp, incisive foray by Mick Govin continued by Derry Eilbeck.

The lead only lasted three minutes, however, as Keighley drew level again. Jones and John Presley combined to put full-back Dan Belcher in between the posts and Jones converted.

Whitehaven had the first opportunity to fashion a drop gal chance but wasted it and when Keighley replied there was no mistake as Jones claimed the win.

Whitehaven, without Joe now, will have to improve dramatically on Wednesday nigh when they host Batley Bulldogs.

Haven: Benson, Eilbeck, Thornley, R. Jackson, Calvert, Rudd, Skee, Amor, Mattinson, Ford, S. Miller, Hill, Joe. Subs (all used) Govin, McDonald, M. Jackson, D. Miller.

Referee: Peter Brook

Crowd: 750

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