Keighley Cougars 28, Swinton Lions 18: After last week's passionate performance against table-topping Huddersfield, this was a far more controlled professional showing from the Cougars.

It was a Northern Ford Premiership game they certainly never looked like

losing and were well in control throughout.

However, Swinton did manage to score four tries to the Cougars' three without ever really looking capable of victory.

Cougars coach Gary Moorby was delighted with his team's seventh victory of the season and it was something of sweet revenge after a shock 33-6 defeat back in March.

Moorby said: "I never thought we were going to lose although we should give respect to Swinton as their league position does not reflect their ability.

"We knew that this would be a tough fight and that's just what they gave us.

"We conceded two tries after half an hour of the second half that I'm not too happy about but overall I've got to be pleased with the performance. They fed off our errors and at times our inexperience shone through but when we stuck to the game plan we always looked in

control."

The Cougars' man of the match was the enigmatic Paul Ashton.

It's certainly never a boring game with him involved. He's a player who can turn defence into attack but he's also quite capable of doing just the reverse.

He scored 19 points in this game, could have had a hat-trick of tries and was definitely the star of the show.

Chris Hartley again deputised for the ill Simeon Hoyle and showed great promise out of position at hooker.

He got the Cougars off to a great start when he went over from acting half after just four minutes. Ashton converted then landed a penalty to make it 8-0.

Swinton hit back after Keighley had conceded two quick penalties themselves with second rower Phil Cushion crashing over.

Mick Nanyn landed his only goal of the afternoon which was to prove a decisive factor.

Keighley soon pulled clear though, a great pass from Phil Stephenson sent Ashton racing quickly past the Lions' defence in the 23rd minute, then four minutes later Ashton's pass put James Rushforth clear.

Ashton landed both conversions and another penalty as the Cougars built a game-winning lead at the break.

They led 22-10, Swinton's second try coming from stand off Jason Johnson, who dummied his way over in the 31st minute.

The second half was fairly dull stuff. The Cougars kept true to their game-

plan, looked very professional and had a superb kicking game which kept them in front.

Ashton landed two further penalties plus a late field goal, Danny Fearon also landing a drop goal as the clock ticked down.

There was something of a scare for the Cougars, though, but it was never a serious threat.

With ten minutes to go, Swinton managed to beat the Cougars' tiring slide defence twice.

Jamie Steadhouse crossed first then two minutes later was followed over by Lee Hudson.