Eamon O'Carroll pleased Bulls overcame Keighley in 1895 Cup

His side will now face Swinton at Odsal in a fortnight – with tonight’s draw also confirming a home clash for the winners of that in the semi-finals against either Barrow or Wakefield.

Four of the five Bulls tries in the 26-18 win at Cougar Park this afternoon came in an eight-minute burst either side of the half-time hooter.

O’Carroll said: “It was everything that we expected. We knew it was going to be a tough game.

“Everyone told me about how serious they take this and how much it means to them.

“We focused on the task at hand, not looking too much at the performance at this point but just the result. We’re through to the quarter-finals and I’m very happy with that.”

READ MORE: Match report as Bulls see off competitive Cougars

O’Carroll felt the Bulls “got a bit bored” after Sam Hallas had given them an early advantage before picking up with two tries just before the break from Aidan McGowan and Jorge Taufau.

Jordan Lilley and Keven Appo then delivered another quickfire double to start the second half and effectively kill the tie before Keighley hit back with two tries late on.

“That was probably the best eight-minute period we’ve had all year,” added O’Carroll. “But then again we found a way to go away from that, which was disappointing.

“But I told the players I want them to enjoy this moment. We’re a fairly new group and we’ve played three competitive games together, won all three and we’re through to a quarter-finals.

“It would be ridiculous for me to go in there kicking and screaming. I know how much more potential this group has got.”

Sam Hallas plunges over to score the Bulls' opening try (Image: Tom Pearson.)

Lee Gaskell pulled out on Friday through illness but the Bulls hope he will be all right for the Challenge Cup home tie against Widnes next week.

Billy Jowitt deputised and O’Carroll said: “We all love Billy. He’s got great energy.

“He was really disappointed not being in the team. But I love his attitude and he works really hard.”

Michael Lawrence clocked up his 350th career appearance after recovering from a back injury to play his first game of the year.

His coach said: “We’ve missed him. He leads by example, speaks when he needs to and everyone listens.

“It was a great occasion for him and his family today and it was a huge drive for us to make sure we got the result as well.”