Keighley Cougars put on a decent showing at the Northern Rail 9s in Blackpool but were halted at the semi-final stage.

Having won all three of their group games, the Cougars faced Championship rivals Sheffield in the last four but found the Eagles just too strong.

A side including a host of first-team stars were eventually beaten 20-14 by the South Yorkshire side, with Cougars tries coming from Dan Belcher, Greg Nicholson and Chris Baines.

It was a disappointing end after Barry Eaton’s side had comfortably disposed of Workington and Whitehaven before a thrilling final group game against York City Knights.

Belcher scored twice, while Jamaine Wray, Nicholson, Tom Burton and Danny Jones also crossed the whitewash to complete a 26-14 triumph that saw them into the semi-finals by virtue of tries scored ahead of Leigh Centurions.

Halifax were crowned champions after beating Sheffield 16-4 in the final.

They had needed extra-time to defeat Swinton in the semi-finals.