COUGARS are just two points behind top-of-the-table Doncaster Dragons after a blistering Easter weekend.

A stunning injury-time try from Dean Hanger clinched victory against Hunslet Hawkes on Good Friday and sent 2,000-plus fans into raptures. The atmosphere brought back memories of Good Friday 1993 when the club won the Division Three title to kick-start the sensational Cougarmania years.

"In those years we were among the best supported clubs in the whole of rugby league, and now we want to see everyone back to be part of the next successful era," said marketing manager Gary Murgatroyd.

It is five years this month since the club was denied a place in Super League - despite winning the Second Division title - and earned the admiration of people throughout the world of sport. But the cost of exclusion almost brought the club to its knees.

Now the club wants to see a crowd of 5,000 at Cougar Park for the game against Workington Town, on May 7, in a symbolic show of strength.

"We have survived to celebrate out centenary in style and want to restore the full-bloodied Cougar Roar.

Gary Murgatroyd added: "Our supporters have been magnificent and have helped the team to its present position in the league. But this team, and the new administration, have yet to experience the atmosphere that lifted the club in the mid-90's.

"A crowd approaching 5,000 would send out a loud message to those within the game who thought we had faded away, and to potential backers. Now we need the fans to help by bringing a friend or two along to enjoy the atmosphere."

But before then coach Karl Harrison has to prepare his team for Monday's game at Chorley against bottom club Lancashire Lynx. With six clubs within three points at the top of the table it is vital that once the game is won the team piles up a big points advantage which could prove vital at the end of the season.

However, Harrison is taking nothing for granted. "They nearly toppled Widnes recently and we have to be preapred for a tough game," he said.

Max Tomlinson is in the starting line-up after giving a man of the match performance against York, but skipper Alan Boothroyd will miss out as he's had his hand encased in plaster. He fractured his thumb some time ago and has been having painkilling injections before taking the field in the last few games.

"A knock against Hunslet made it worse and the club doctor has recommended that he takes two weeks rest," Karl Harrison said.

Mick Slicker will come into the side, returning to the team after a break for his honeymoon and an ankle injury.

Monday's game starts at the unusal time of 5pm which is required as part of their groundshare agreement with Chorley Borough FC.

n Club managing director, Peter Rowe saved the Cougar Park main stand following an arson attack on Wednesday night.

"I was working in the offices and heard footsteps in the stand, I banged on one of the doors leading to the seating area and walked round to see what was happening.

"As I came round the corner of the building I spotted four youths running away bu fortunately decided to make sure they hadn't caused any damage.

"While I was checking the Press Box flames appeared in the Directors Box. They had set two plastic bottles on fire, the wood was light and paint burning off -- it could have been very serious indeed," he said.

The club is to seek permission to close a public footpath which runs behind the stand.

n Admission prices for the Lancs Lynx game are: £7 for adults and £4 for concessions.

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