COUGARS are poised to halt the incredible unbeaten run which has put Dewsbury Rams on top of the Northern Ford Premiership, when they meet at Cougar Park tonight.

Confidence is high in Karl Harrison's squad after they ran in a home record victory, beating Cardiff Cougars 90-0 in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup on Sunday.

But Harrison had no doubt that tonight's game -- which kicks off at 7.30 -- will be the toughest test of the season for his team.

"Dewsbury are a very good outfit. they have had a settled team for the last two years and it shows, but we are capable of beating them if we do everything right -- we just have to cut out our schoolboy errors," he said.

Jason Lee and Mick Slicker were due to have fitness tests last night, but the biggest doubt is Karl Smith who was injured in the first half against Featherstone and aggravated the injury in last Sunday's game.

Rams have won 12 consecutive league matches, a winning run which began after Cougars held them to a 24-24 draw on July 11 last year.

Their only defeat came in the Premiership Grand Final when they were beaten 12-11 by Hunslet Hawks.

The Keighley side will have to pay special attention to former Cougar Adrian Flynn who is close to the top of the game's try scoring league after crossing the whitewash six times so far this season.

He has helped Dewsbury scrum half Barry Eaton to move up the points scoring table with an impressive kicking record, and Eaton himself will be looking to get closer to the magical 1,000 points record.

Matt Foster is still out of action with an ankle injury, but hopes to be fit in time to play in the fourth round of the Challenge Cup against French side Villeneuve.

On Monday Cougars were drawn against the French outfit in a match which will be played at Cougar Park a week on Sunday, February 13.

Ex-Cougar favourite, Aussie Grant Doorey heads up the French club where he has been an inspirational player and coach for the last three seasons.

New chief executive, Peter Rowe, settled into his job at Cougar Park this week and outlined his plans for the future.

"I want to get back to the days when their was a fantastic atmosphere and crowds of 5,000-6,000 at Cougar Park. I haven't got a magic wand, but over the next few months fans will see things start to change

"Keighley is one of those few towns where rugby league is the definitive sport and this club has tremendous potential. We have to build a quality side and get back the loyal support of Keighley people and start to develop the ground.

"Our ultimate aim is to get into Super League, but that is a long term ambition. It is no good winning the league and not getting promotion because the ground is not adequate -- we have to make all round progress."

During his days as Sports Editor of the Telegraph and Argus in Bradford, Rowe often attacked the Cougars in print, but says that is all in the past.

"We decided to back the Bulls and went hell for leather along that route. Now I'm as committed to Keighey Cougars as the most loyal supporter.

"I am here for the long haul. I want to see our 3-4 year plan through to fruition and realise everybody's hopes and ambitions -- but fans will have to be patient.

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