Harsh lesson handed out to Cougars in first defeat of the campaign

Jason Demetriou’s side surrendered top spot due to a 24-10 loss that also saw the Cumbrians move off the bottom of the table.

Cougars never recovered after conceding three tries in the first half hour and Demetriou admitted his charges were simply outfought and out-enthused.

“In the first half they were more enthusiastic and more aggressive than us,” said Keighley’s player-coach.

“It’s the first time since I’ve been here that we have lacked enthusiasm and aggression, which was a bit worrying.

“But this game will stand us in good stead because it’s battle-hardened us and taught us a lesson.

“It was a lesson I’d rather learn at this stage than later on in the season.”

Cougars suffered a major blow before kick off when Demetriou was ruled out of action with a calf strain and they paid the price for a slow start.

Craig Calvert, Loz Hamzat and Derry Eilbeck all scored within the opening 30 minutes and David Ford added a fourth try a minute before the break, while the visitors were unable to muster a response.

Lewis Palfrey also kicked three goals to establish a 22-0 half-time lead.

But Keighley responded well in the second half, full back Dan Belcher scoring within five minutes of the restart to narrow the gap.

Palfrey kicked a further goal to make it 24-4 and although Scott McAvoy was sin-binned for the hosts, Cougars had left themselves too much to do.

Gavin Duffy scored a late consolation which was goaled by Danny Lawton.

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Whitehaven: Benson, Hamzat, Eilbeck, S. McAvoy, Calvert, Manihera, Palfrey, Cullnean, Smith, Isakka, Doran, S. Miller, Beattie. Substitutes: Slice, Hill, Ford, Wilton.

Keighley Cougars: Belcher, Duffy, Sagar, Lawton, Hutchinson, Drake, Heliwell, Shickell, Feather, Law, Pursglove, Cartledge, Haythornthwaite. Substitutes: Wray, Rawlins, Jones, Baines.

Referee: W Turley (RFL).