Cougar Academy 19 London Broncos 16 - The Academy claimed the Super League scalp of London Broncos with a truly sweet victory.

Injuries to six of their first choice players forced the Cougars to field their youngest side of the season with nine 17-year-olds in the line-up. Two of the youngsters, Robert Spencer and Tom Palmer, were making their debuts and in contrast the Broncos were allowed to field a number of over-age players because of their Development Area status.

The London side were still savouring their previous week's victory over top of the table side Salford City Reds and were back to full strength with the return of three Great Britain tourists of New Zealand. They opened confidently but were pegged back by some great defence and it wasn't long before the Cougars were pushing hard themselves.

Their initial reward was an early penalty by Liam Duffy, but it wasn't long before great pressure produced a try for Matt Steel, converted by Liam Duffy and the Cougars led 8-0.

The Broncos hit back almost immediately with full back Adebisi forcing his way over. Montero added the conversion to pull the score back to 8-6.

More lack of discipline from London gave Liam Duffy another penalty chance which he converted , but despite being ahead on the scoreboard the Cougars suddenly lost the plot. After being awarded a penalty deep in the Bronco's 20m zone, the referee overturned his decision when Jason Battle got involved, and from the penalty the broncos attacked the Cougar line and second rower Ian lane forced the ball over the line with three defenders unable to hold him up. Montero added the conversion to give the Broncos a 12-10 lead against the run of play.

But the cougars were not to be denied. A sweeping move saw Gareth Holmes race over and Duffy added the extra points to secure a 16-12 half time lead, though in the final move full back Rob McDonald was injured an unable to continue.

They had their backs to the wall in the second half as Broncos powered down the slope. Rob Weir relived some pressure with a drop goal.

A second drop goal from Andy Feather, which everybody in the ground thought was good, was disallowed. There was no doubt about his second attempt which was plum centre -- but again the referee ruled 'no goal', a mistake he compounded by giving a 20m drop out instead of a tap penalty.

The incidents seemed to affect the Cougars' concentration allowing the broncos in for a try which took them to within one point.

This time the Academy were not going to be denied with both rob Weir and Andy Feather dropping goals which were celebrated by ironic cheers from the crowd.

They secured the 19-16 victory with towering performances from captain Matt Steel and prop Scott bellamy. Robert Spencer and Tom Palmer played superbly on their debuts with Colin Pickles switching to full back in the second half and pulling off several try-saving tackles.

At the final whistle Broncos took the defeat badly with several players wanting to fight rather than shake hands.