KEIGHLEY Cougars are not back in action until the Betfred League 1 play-off semi-finals in nearly three weeks’ time, as they signed off the regular season with a defeat.

They were beaten 32-18 at Rochdale yesterday, with that results also ensuring the Hornets wrapped up third place in the division.

Rochdale began the game on the front foot, with Keighley producing some great defence to keep the hosts out twice down the right.

But the Greater Manchester outfit did edge ahead on 23 minutes, as Luke Forber went over out wide.

Keighley finally put a good attack together and hit the front, as club stalwart Josh Lynam managed to make his way over from close range.

Jack Miller, who this season has become Keighley’s all time top goalscorer, did what he does best from the kicking tee, converting to give his side the lead.

Rochdale shrugged that frustration off and produced two quickfire tries just before the break to give themselves a healthy advantage.

Dean Roberts crossed the line from close in, then Lewis Else fed Misi Taulapapa, who went over on the hooter.

Mackenzie Harman put the gloss on both scores to put Rochdale 16-6 ahead at half-time.

And the second half began how the first had ended, with another double strike putting the Hornets in total control.

The excellent Else sprinted at the Keighley line and broke through it, subsequently sending in Myles Harrop in for a try, before Jordan Andrade capitalised on an error from the visitors to score from close range, with Harman converting the latter attempt.

Young winger Billy Walkley, who has played every minute of the current season for Cougars, hit back with a score in the corner, Miller adding the extras to leave the away side 26-12 behind.

George Flanagan crashed over with 15 minutes to go for another converted Keighley try, as they closed the gap to eight points.

George Flanagan's late try gave Cougars hope, but that proved to be misplaced.George Flanagan's late try gave Cougars hope, but that proved to be misplaced. (Image: JT Sports Media.)

But a brilliant solo run and score from Else late on finished Keighley off, Harman adding the extras to seal a deserved win for the hosts.

The two sides could be meeting again very soon, though this time at Cougar Park.

With Rochdale ending up third and Hunslet finishing fourth, those two will face off in the qualifying play-off on either September 14 or 15, with the winner going on to visit Keighley the following weekend.