Helliwell injury mars encouraging start in league for Cougars

The young scrum-half was taken to hospital with a suspected broken leg following an awkward collision late in the game.

It took the shine off an otherwise enjoyable afternoon for Keighley, who served early notice of their promotion credentials with a superb all-round performance.

Player-coach Jason Demetriou said: “It was a decent start and we executed really well with the ball.

“Luke Helliwell was outstanding but it looks like he’s broken his leg. He’s been taken to hospital to have scans, but first thoughts were that he’d broken it.

“It’s really disappointing for Luke because a lot of pressure has been put on our half-backs recently. He was outstanding in his control of the game, set up two or three tries and was looking like the player I know he can be.”

Danny Lawton claimed a 30-point haul, including a hat-trick, as Cougars racked up the points in their first league game under Demetriou.

The former Wakefield centre converted early tries from Scott Law, Helliwell and Will Cartledge before grabbing a quick-fire double of his own.

Gavin Duffy scored on his return to action following a calf strain before Jymel Coleman touched down Skolars’ only try.

Lawton completed his treble on the stroke of half-time and Chris Baines, Ben Sagar, Jamaine Wray and James Haythornthwaite all scored during the second half, while Cartledge also grabbed a second try.

Keighley Cougars: Moss, Duffy, Sagar, Lawton, Hutchinson, Demetriou, Heliwell, Shickell, Feather, Law, Cartledge, Pursglove, Haythornthwaite. Substitutes: Wray, Barr, Rawlins, Baines. London Skolars: Small, Junior, J. Coleman, May, Adebisi, Skee, Thorman, T. Williams, Honor, McMeeken, Boston, Purslow, Ball. Substitutes: Prescott, Hart, Aggrey, Simon.

Referee: W Turley (RFL).

n Swinton Lions recorded a 22-10 win against visitors Workington Town in a close contest.

Tries from Martin Ainscough, Tommy Gallagher, Gavin Dodd (2) and Lee Wingfield were enough to secure the points.