Keighley Cougar Cubs 8

Huddersfield Sharks 26

A spate of injuries midway through the second half of their West Riding Cup Under-15s semi-final cost the Cubs dearly.

At 8-10 the game was there for the taking, the second division giant killers looked capable of claiming another Premier League scalp as they gave their all attempting to earn a place in the final. A shaky start saw the home side put them selves under pressure, giving up possession early in the tackle count and unable to clear their own red zone.

First blood was drawn by the sharks seven minutes into the game when the winger scored a dubious try in the corner. Intense pressure broke the Cougars defence again on fifteen minutes a converted try giving them a 10 point lead. The Cubs then moved up a gear and some good approach work culminated with Howson diving over from close range. It was the home side calling the shots now as they pounded the Sharks line big drives from the forwards especially Bolton and Ireland provided the platform for the backs to open up flanks. Only a frantic cover defence preventing the score on several occasions.

Finally a storming run from Burton created enough space for Haythornthwaite to skip over near the posts, the kick unfortunately sliced wide on the stroke of half time. The second period saw each side cancel the other out until injuries forced positional changes that disturbed the Cubs rhythm and despite some courageous play the dream was shattered as the Sharks piled on the pressure scoring 16 points in the last ten minutes. The final score flattered the visitors from the premier division

Elland 18

Cubs 10

The Christmas break played its part in dulling the attacking flair and passing moves that the Cubs had started to show prior to the festive season.

Indeed this was perhaps a game that the Cubs know they should have won had they played to their potential. In a frustrating first half where an early knock on from the kick off set the Cubs onto the back foot and some basic handling errors not seen in previous games crept into the Cougar play that gifted territory to the Elland team.

The territorial advantage resulted in two un answered tries in the first half and one conversion to gift Elland a 10 points to nil half time advantage. Losing the powerful second rower Conor Caveney early in the fray also dulled the attacking opportunities.

However there were glimpses of good play with Wasim Shabir tackling well accompanied by flu ridden Josh Lynam. Joe Palmer despite taking several knocks also carried the ball forward well.

The second half proved more successful for the Cubs with defence early on stiffening up with Jordan Aitchison and Josh Ives both making text book tackles to prevent scores. Aaron Tattersall Jarvis used his weight to good effect particularly against the opposition props and Jake Dunn was outstanding in his drives up the pitch.

The Cubs opened their account with a rare passing move that saw Chris Spencer pass to winger Jordan Aitchison to sprint past the opposition from the half way line and score under the post. Had the team used this tactic more then the outcome of the game could well have been different.

Ben Stead converted to bring the scores back 10-6. An unconverted breakaway try from Elland was quickly followed by an excellent individual effort from Cubs' man of the match Wasim Shabir who carried the ball through several Elland players to score a well earned try to give the Cubs hope in the dying minutes of the game.

An Elland try straight from the kick off, however, killed the game, leaving the Cubs to ponder on what might have been.

Cougar Cubs under 10's v West Bowling

In the first game of the New Year against a strong Bradford side, the Cubs struggled as the visitors took an early lead.

They managed to break through with some great running and passing, The Cubs made the most of their kicking game with Alfie Seeley kicking the ball over the line to be jumped on by Kyle Wilmott.

Other try scorers were Dan Connell (2), both from long range, and Liam Tarpy who showed some great skill to get over the line. Top Tackler was Kyle Wilmott with Alfie Seeley picking up Outstanding Effort award. The Man of the Match was to Rory Conway for his great running and relentless tackling. It was another solid all round effort from the Cubs who were unlucky not to come away with a win.