KEIGHLEY Cougars were indebted to an excellent first-half performance as they won 37-18 at Workington Town yesterday.

The result keeps them level at the Betfred League 1 summit with leaders Oldham, though the Roughyeds still have the edge on points difference.

Cougars made two changes from their win last time out over Cornwall, Aaron Brown and Jordan Schofield coming into the matchday squad for Ben Dean and Lewis Hatton.

And the settled visitors made a superb start, Junior Sa’u going over in the corner after only eight minutes.

Jack Miller landed a fine conversion from out wide to put Keighley 6-0 up, and they stretched their lead further through skipper Ellis Robson, as he crashed over from close range from a lovely short ball.

Miller added the extras to put his side 12-0 in front, and when Oscar Thomas helped himself to a converted try off the back of a scrum play, Cougars looked to be on easy street.

Thomas crossed for his second converted try five minutes before the break, before Miller landed a smart drop goal on the hooter to ensure Keighley led 25-0 after 40 minutes.

And when new signing George Flanagan set up Sa’u to cross the whitewash four minutes in the second half, Miller converting once again, the game looked as if it would be a blowout.

Junior Sa'u caused the Workington defence problems throughout yesterday, and went over for two tries.Junior Sa'u caused the Workington defence problems throughout yesterday, and went over for two tries. (Image: Ben Challis Sports Photography.)

But Workington fought back superbly, as Jake Bradley, Thomas Brierley and Carl Forber all scored second-half tries, the latter converting all three.

With five minutes left, the Cumbrians had an outside chance of pulling off a monumental comeback, but Lachlan Lanskey killed those hopes stone dead.

He went over for Cougars late on following a neat short ball from Alex Bishop, Miller adding the extras to wrap up a perfect afternoon with the boot for him.

Oldham are not in action next week, meaning Keighley can go top, albeit having played a game more, if they beat third-placed Rochdale Hornets at Cougar Park.

Before that game is played at 3pm, the new Cougars Women side will take to the pitch for a development game against Newcastle Thunder at midday.

Both games will take place on a special day for the club, as the first-team have chosen Rochdale as their annual Pride fixture, where they will wear a trans-inspired kit.

As usual at the Pride game, there will be plenty of food, drink and entertainment on offer, as well as the rugby league itself.