Keighley Cougars 32 Halifax 46: Keighley denied bonus as Patterson boots Halifax to derby day triumph

If the score had remained within 12 points the Cougars would have at least gained the crucial point. However, the final conversion from Lee Patterson pushed the score to a 14-point lead.

First blood went to Halifax after just three minutes when Patterson scored and converted. The Cougars soon replied via Ryan Benjafieldstry and a conversion from Danny Jones, followed by a penalty from the latter.

Patterson scored his second of the game plus the conversion but the Cougars replied through Danny Jones who also tagged on the goal.

Paul White then scored for Halifax and the Cougars seemed to run out of steam as they let in another two tries from Jon Goddard and Mark Gleeson, plus conversions from Patterson, giving a half-time score of 28-14.

Halifax started the half well with a try from Luke Brannighan and goal from Patterson. Said Tamghart was then denied a try. The Cougars fought back but Will Cartledge was also denied the four points by the official.

However, Scot Law succeeded with Danny Jones converting. Halifax then stood by and saw the Cougars come within two points of their lead with tries from James Hutchinson and Johnny Presley with conversions from Danny Jones.

With three minutes remaining Sean Penkywicz broke from the ruck on the diagonal to score, followed with a last-minute try from Luke Brannighan.

Patterson added the extras which took it out of the 12-point bonus point zone for Keighley.

Keighley: Moss, Duffy, Sheldrake, Williams, Hutchinson, Presley, Jones, Law, Feather, Benjafield, Baines, Pursglove, Nicholson. Substitutes: Wray, Haythornthwaite, Cartledge, Jones.

Halifax: Royston, White, Patterson, Goddard, Haley, Brannighan, Bowman, Watene, Penkywicz, Wrench, Larder, Bannister, Beswick. Substitutes: Gleeson, Tamghart, Nash, Ostick.

Referee: W Turley (RFL)