Keighey Cougars, who showed some smart handling, again came out on top in their cross-code challenge against Bradford & Bingley at Wagon Lane today.

But, unlike last year, when the rugby league team won both the union and the league segments, they had to settle for merely winning their own sport this time.

The Bees, for whom Ian Judson and Phil Greaves starred, took the 40 minutes of union 26-19 but lost the league half 26-10.

However, particularly as Bees player-coach Stuart Dixon did not break his cheekbone, it was an afternoon that both coaches felt was very worthwhile.

Cougars’ head coach Barry Eaton said of the contest, which was watched by 500 fans: “It was a really good exercise, especially as the lads have only had three training sessions. But, fair play to the Bees, who had a good 15 minutes at league.”

Bees’ joint player-coach Neil Spence said: “At least we won the union this time and it was a good blow-out so soon after Christmas.”

Bradford & Bingley, who had Cleckheaton’s John Dudley and Ben Wade guesting for them, went behind to a Dan Potter try but soon took the lead when Phil Greaves tackled Gavin Duffy and picked up the loose ball to score, Steve Brimacombe converting.

Steve Burns added a pushover try but the Cougars levelled at 12-12 with a Danny Jones try and conversion after more good work from Neil Law.

Greg Nicholson’s try again put the Cougars in front but tries by Guy Ford and Joe Bartlett, Brimacombe converting the latter, gave the Bees the spoils. Duffy, who was a lively presence, soon bagged a brace of tries when the league action started and Law’s try extended the Cougars’ advantage to 35-26 as Jones added two goals.

Wade’s try cut the margin to five points, Brimacombe missing the goal twice – once without a kicking tee and once with.

But the Cougars were not to be denied a deserved triumph and George Rayner and Jon Presley added late tries, Potter improving one, before a Dudley try and Brimacombe goal.