COUGARS face a real test of character in their clash with Dewsbury Rams on Sunday -- and aim to take revenge for their narrow defeat earlier in Arriva Trains Cup campaign.
Dewbury snatched a 12-6 victory at the Ram Stadium in terrible weather conditions, but Cougars travelled home knowing they could, and should, have won that encounter.
After racing to a 14-try victory over London Skolars last weekend they have to put their scoring skills to work against much tougher opposition, and keep the Dewsbury side bottled up with a tough defensive display.
"We ran them very close at Dewsbury a few weeks ago, and if we play to our potential I'm sure we can go one better this time," said coach Gary Moorby.
The game at Dewsbury began a run of four defeats, where lack of fire-power in attack looked to be the Keighley side's biggest weakness. But after unleashing their scoring potential with the 78-18 victory over London Skolars, Moorby hopes they will have another big game on Sunday.
"I am the first to aknowledge that the Skolars are struggling to find their feet in their first pro season, but I though our performance was very professional.
"We have worked very hard on certain aspects of our game over the last couple of weeks and I felt we reaped the rewards on Sunday. The team kept its shape, and our support play was outstanding.
"I'm sure the lads have been lifted by their performance and we must now carry that momentum forward into the Dewsbury game. We are all very aware that the Rams present much stiffer opposition.
"It should be a classic match, but I'm sure we can get the result we want," he said.
Paul Ashton was carried off the field with damaged ankle ligaments on Sunday and will be out of action for three to four weeks, giving the coaching team one of their biggest early season headaches.
Adam Mitchell has previously been replacement stand-off, but there is also an opportunity to give other members of the squad a chance to shine in the No6 shirt.
Matt Foster also turned in a solid performance against the Skolars on his return to Cougar Park and is expected to be in Sunday's 17-strong squad.
"I don't expect many changes to last week's squad, but Ashton's injury gives us something to think about," Moorby said.
n The club's Cougar Dice lottery scheme has celebrated its first big winner with Andrew Whitaker picking up a cheque for £2,545 after his numbers came up on the giant dice.
Andrew, from Saltaire, has been a Cougar fan for over 20 years, and is back on the terraces after at two year break.
Cougar Dice promoter Kelly Durham, presents Andrew Whitaker (right) with his cheque with agent Roger Baxendall (left) looking on.
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