Keighley Cougars 52, Gateshead Thunder 6: The Cougars made it a magnificent seven out of seven start to their National League Division Two campaign.

This was a comprehensive ten-try thrashing of a young Thunder side, but really it could have been more.

The Cougars were guilty of missing at least five gilt-edged chances in the first half. but once they settled they scored almost at will.

Coach Gary Moorby was delighted with the result, saying: "This was a thoroughly professional performance in that when we looked wobbly the players knew what they were doing wrong and knew how to correct it.

"We bombed a few chances in the first half and certainly failed in some of our execution, and our decision-making was poor at times. But we settled things down at the break and I was pleased with how we maintained our intensity towards the end.

"We are a fit side and we defend well. I knew Gateshead would be enthusiastic but once we scored those three early tries there was really only one team in it."

Jason Ramshaw had a enormous influence, being involved in almost every try and ghosting through for two himself.

Moorby was full of praise for his veteran leader, adding: "Jason was tremendous. Although not 100 per cent fit, he felt okay to play and if he continues like this he will continue to be a massive influence on our young team. He showed all his experience and class with that ludicrous try. I still don't know how he scored it."

The try in question came just after the break when Keighley had led 22-6. Ramshaw dummied his way through from 30 metres out then somehow threw another dummy to beat the Gateshead full back for a try celebrated by the whole team in spectacular fashion, demonstrating Ramshaw's popularity among his team-mates.

Keighley started poorly, but once Adam Mitchell raced round the outside of the defence to touch down in the corner in the 12th minute the momentum swung Keighley's way.

Simeon Hoyle got the try of the day in the 65th minute after Lee Patterson broke on halfway and Matt Firth got his first Cougars hat-trick.