PHIL STEPHENSON was left looking like he had stepped out of the ring with Mike Tyson after taking a savage beating when Cougars met Doncaster Dragons last weekend.

The Keighley forward was left needing stitches in his face after the attack by Doncaster captain Maea David and was able to take no further part in the game.

Stephenson, who suffered a double fracture of bones in his face earlier in the season, received no protection from Cumbrian referee Steve Nicholson. Indeed he was sent to the sinbin, together with David, when he tried to defend himself.

This week Cougar coach Gary Moorby declared: "I'm not one to criticise match officials in public, but I though the referee's handling of the game left a lot to be desired.

"The 10-metre rule was rarely applied and the amount of cheap shots our players had to take was ridiculous.

"Phil Stephenson was lying on the floor and punched senseless.

"Phil had several stitches in a nasty wound under his eye and was not fit to return.

"I think that was the turning point of the game. I was very proud of my players who stood their ground against Doncaster's bully boy tactics."

Moorby was given a major boost this week as several of his top players pledged their future to the club for next season.

Stephenson was among the first to put pen to paper along with Matty Firth, Simeon Hoyle, Danny Ekis and Oliver Wilkes.

Moorby said: "This is great news for the club. Phil is our most experienced player and the other four are all youngsters with great potential.

"I believe that by agreeing new contracts the lads feel that we are going in the right direction and are obviously happy with the club.

"I hope that we will have signed the majority of the squad before the end of the season."

This weekend the club plays its last home league game against Workington Town who, like Cougars, will be looking to end their see-saw season on a high. But the Keighley club has called for a big crowd to help them finish their home campaign on a winning note.

"This will be Mick Durham's final game, he jets off Down Under next week and we would like to send him off on a winning note.

"He had a tough time when he arrived in Keighley last year, playing out of position in his first games. Others came and went but Mick buckled down, trained hard and waited for another chance.

"Since returning to the side he has become a mainstay of the pack, earning the respect of his team mates with his tremendous work rate.

"He has been offered another contract and hopes to return for next season," Gary said.

n Last Friday's 'Fans Forum' meeting was rated a success.

"The meeting was very positive indeed and we hope to hold them more regularly in future," said chairman Neil Spencer.

After the row over a £4.6 million buy-out of a deal with Bradford Bulls, Bradford Metropolitan Council has pledged to renew its £20,000 a year sponsorship of the Cougars.

Mr Spencer said: "I am pleased that the council is again able to back the club and that we have re-opened channels of communication."

KN SPORT

COMMENT

It is time Rugby League got to grips with a crisis at the heart of the game.

In recent years the standard of refereeing has fallen to an all-time low. While it is frustrating when incorrect decisions are made - everyone is aware that the game's officials are mere mortals - players have the right to expect protection from pure thuggery.

If the attack on Phil Stephenson had taken place in the street it would have resulted in a court appearance for the offender.

Unless action is taken it can only be time before a victim takes out a private prosecution against a fellow player - and the game of Rugby League will find itself in the dock.