CHALLENGE CUP hero Kevin Sinfield took time out from his preparations for the big Rhinos v Bulls clash to encourage members of the Cougar Scholarship Scheme.

Kevin, the brother of Ian Sinfield, is captain of the Leeds team and kicked the goal that took them into an extra-time showdown with St Helens last weekend.

The scholarship has taken some of the hottest local rugby league talent and given the young players an all-round grounding.

"They don't just get top class coaching, but the scholarship also gives an education in healthy living and demands they also get good reports from their schools," said Jason Ramshaw.

Sinfield present 'Top Gun' awards to Danny Spencer (Under-16); David Emmott (Under-15), Chris Thompson (Under-14).

"We couldn't single anyone out at Under-13 level and everyone got special awards," Jason said.

Members of the scholarship were - Richard Barr, Richard Leatham, Joe Copperwaite, Danny Spencer, Josh Scott and Ben Sagar, Danny Snowden, Ben Carley, Tim Bibby, Chris Thompson, Adam Wilkinson, Joe Kennedy.

David Emmott, James Kinder, Paul Johns, James Boxwell, James Sharples. Johnathan Storton, Chris Clough, Danny Spencer and Jason Scott.

The scholarship is supported by the Eddie Andrews Trust which was set up following the death of the keen Cougar supporter to promote junior development. The Trust is administered by his nephew Thomas Andrews and Keighley solicitor Roger Armstrong.

The club is now working on plans for the next scholarship year.

"Young players now have a pathway taking from junior rugby all the way through to the Cougars first team, and unlike many scholarship schemes the members have been getting coaching from the 1st XIII coaching team of Gary Moorby and Paul Moses with Jeremy Crowther the scholarship manager," Jason said.

n Kevin Sinfield (above) scrums down with Roger Armstrong and Thomas Andrews and members of the Cougar Scholarship Scheme at their presentation evening.