JASON RAMSHAW returned to full fitness and turned in a 'Dragon slaying' performance as he led Cougars to an opening day victory in the Arriva Trains Cup.

Rammy, who was out for most of last season following a serious shoulder injury, was passed fit to play by doctors who had carried out delicate surgery -- and he bounced back with a bang.

Playing at loose forward he terrorised the Doncaster side in both attack and defence to win the first Arriva Trains 'Player of the Round' award.

The Dragons had been firm favourites to win before the kick off, but Cougars defied the odds with a towering performance as they notched a 21-14 victory.

Ramshaw was outstanding in defence and attack and also created a try for stand off Paul Ashton with a skillful chip-kick. He will receive a specially designed engraved crystal award from the cup sponsors.

Rammy said: "I was pretty shocked to hear about the award, but I'd really like to accept it as one for the whole team for the effort we put in on Sunday.

"We had a great pre-season build-up and I would say the team spirit at the Cougars is currently at an all time high. Everyone put in a massive effort to beat Doncaster."

Coach Gary Moorby was delighted with the result and Ramshaw's award-winning performance. "I have signed four new players, but having Rammy fit again is like a fifth signing for us - his performance was superb and typical of his commitment.

"It was a superb team effort with the new faces setting a superb example and everyone else followed on.

"I must admit we were feeling confident and people have commented on how fit we looked. Most of the credit for the condition of the players must go to Paul Royston who has done a tremendous job with them in a relatively short space of time.

"The mood in the camp has been excellent and we were more than looking forward to the game. If we can continue to build on this performance then we should be able to look forward with great optimism."

Even before Sunday's game club chairman Neil Spencer was hoping the 2003 season could recapture some of the spirit of '93 when the club won the Division Three championship with a classic Good Friday victory over Batley.

"That was the season that kick-started great things at the club. We went on to win the Second Division and had two trips to Old Trafford," he said.

After Sunday's game he was even more confident of good times ahead.

"It has taken me nearly all week to wipe the smile off my face. I was particularly pleased that all the hard work the players have put in has really worked out. They looked as fresh at the end of 80 minutes as when they started."

The day had started badly after thieves broke into the club shop, and a neat square had also been cut from the middle of protective netting behind goal posts at the Hard Ings end of the ground.

"It was a terrible to find the shop broken into when we arrived at the ground, but it didn't seem so important at the end of the day," Mr Spencer said.

On Sunday they are at home again when they take on amateur side Thornhill Trojans in the Challenge Cup and Moorby is determined his side will not take the game lightly.

"After being involved with Keighley Albion for several years I know the amateurs will be really looking forward to this game. The opportunity for them to take a professional scalp will be a great motivator.

"We have watched them a couple of times and they have two ex-pros in their ranks. We will be taking the game very seriously, and I will be able to pick from a full squad," Gary Moorby said.